SABBATH

SCHOOL

LESSON

Senior Division, No. 292, Second Quarter, 1968

FAITH AND THE PROMISES OF GOD

TANK

THE BLESSING OF DAILY STUDY

"The beauty and riches of the Word have a transforming influence on

mind and character."—Christ's

Object Lessons,

page 132.

"There is nothing more calculated to strengthen the intellect than the

study of the Scriptures. . . . If God's Word were studied as it should be,

men would have a breadth of mind, a nobility of character, and a stability

of purpose rarely seen in these

times."—Steps to Christ,

page 90.

My Daily Lesson Study Pledge

As one who greatly desires to improve his knowledge of the Scriptures, I

pledge myself to the careful and prayerful study of some portion of my Sabbath

School lesson each day of the week.

Nate



Lesson Titles for the Quarter

Faith Is Indispensable

Faith and a Knowledge of God

Faith and God's Promises

Faith and the Promise of Reconciliation

Faith and the Promise of Pardon

Faith and the Promise of .God's Presence

Faith and the Promise of God's Love

Faith and the Promise of Answered Prayer

Faith and God's Promises of Care and Guidance

10.

Faith and the Promise of the Holy Spirit

11.

Faith and Assurance

12.

Faith and the Promise of Victory

13.

Faith and the Promise of Christ's Return

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Sabbath School Lesson Quarterly

FAITH AND THE PROMISES OF GOD

GENERAL INTRODUCTION

The Bible records the unique experiences

of men and women of faith who demon-

strated the dependability of the promises

made by the infinite God. To test the

reality of these promises, as these Bible

characters tested them, we are enjoined to

exercise faith. "0 taste and see that the

Lord is good," is the Biblical invitation.

But how to exercise faith? This is the

urgent consideration, and this should be

made very plain. To every promise of God

there are conditions. If we are willing to

do His will, all His strength is ours. What-

ever gift He promises is in the promise

itself. "The seed is the Word of God." As

surely as the oak is in the acorn, so surely

is the gift of God in the promise. If we re-

ceive the promise, we have the gift. Wori-

derful thought!

"Faith that enables us to receive God's

gifts is itself a gift, of which some measure

is imparted to every human being. It grows

as exercised in appropriating the Word of

God. In order to strengthen faith, we must

often bring it in contact with the Word."

—Education,

pages 253, 254.

This series of lessons endeavors to make

some essential features of Christianity very

simple and practical. The promises and

gifts of God are ours to accept and experi-

ence, not merely to admire. Only as God's

children appropriate His promises by faith

does the gospel become "the power of God

unto salvation."

Lesson 1, for April 6, 1968

Faith Is Indispensable

MEMORY VERSE:

"But without faith it is impossible to please Him: for he that

cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them

that diligently seek Him." Hebrews 11:6.

STUDY HELPS:

"Education," pages 253-261; "Gospel Workers," pages 259-263;

"Steps to Christ," chapter, "Faith and Acceptance"; "S.D.A. Bible Commen-

tary."

STUDY AIM:

To gain a greater appreciation and understanding of faith as one

of life's imperatives.

Lesson Outline:

Introduction

I. The Role of Faith in Christian

Experience

What faith is. Heb. 11:1.

The object of faith. Mark 11:22;

John 3:16.

Faith a way of life. 2 Cor. 5:7.

How faith is cultivated. Rom.

10:17.

' 5. The response of faith. Gal. 5:6.

II.

Faith, the Imperative Factor

Faith and fellowship with God.

Heb. 11:6.

Faith and the origin and destiny

of life. Heb. 11:3 ; 2 Peter 3:13.

Faith and salvation. Eph. 2:8; 3:17.

Faith brings joy, peace, hope.

Rom. 15:13.

10.

Possibilities of faith. Mark 9:23.

C 3 ]

11.

Faith and spiritual prosperity.



Luke 18:8; 2 Peter 3:3, 4.

2 Chron. 20:20.



13. Hold fast to faith. Heb. 10:35-37.

III. Warnings and Counsels



14. Faith a shield against temptation.

12.

Last days marked by faithlessness.



Eph. 6:16.

Introduction

THE LESSON

Nom.—"Faith is not the ground of our

salvation, but it is the great blessing—the

eye that sees, the ear that hears, the feet

that run, the hand that grasps. It is the

means, not the end. If Christ gave His life

to save sinners, why shall I not take that

blessing? My faith grasps it, and thus

my faith is the substance of things hoped

for, the •evidence of things unseen. Thus

resting and believing, I have peace with

God through the Lord Jesus Christ"—

Ellen G. White Comments,

S.D.A. Bible

Commentary,

Vol. 6, p. 1073.

"Faith is the condition upon which God

has seen fit to promise pardon to sinners;

not that there is any virtue in faith

whereby salvation is merited, but because

faith can lay hold of the merits of Christ,

the remedy provided for

sin."—Ibid.

"God never asks us to believe, without

giving sufficient evidence on which to base

our faith. His existence, His character, the

truthfulness of His Word, are all estab-

lished by testimony that appeals to our

reason; and this testimony is abundant.

Yet God has never removed the possi-

bility of doubt. Our faith must rest upon

evidence, not demonstration."—Steps

Christ,

page 105.

"There is an evidence that is open to all,

—

the most highly educated, and the most

illiterate,—the evidence of experience. God

invites us to prove for ourselves the reality

of His Word, the truth of His promises."

—

Ibid.,

p. 111.

The Role of Faith in Christian

Experience

How does the Bible define faith?

Heb. 11:1.

NOTE.—"When we speak of faith, there

is a distinction that should be borne in

mind. There is a kind of belief that is

wholly distinct from faith. The existence

and power of God, the truth of His Word,

are facts that even Satan and his . hosts

cannot at heart deny. . . . But this is not

faith. . . . Where there is not only a belief

in God's Word, but a submission of the will

to Him ; where the heart is yielded to Him,

the affections fixed upon Him, there is

faith—faith that works by love and puri-

fies the soul. Through this faith the heart

is renewed in the image of

God."—Steps

to Christ,

page 63.

What is the basis of our relation-

ship to God and to Christ? Mark

11:22; John 3:16.

How is faith related to Christian

living? 2 Cor. 5:7.

Nora.—Faith results in a distinct way of

life. The Christian plans and lives his life

with reference to the God "whom having

not seen, ye love." Faith makes God a

reality, an ever-present Companion; and

thus we "walk by faith, not by sight."

"It is not a conclusive evidence that a

man is a Christian because he manifests

spiritual ecstasy under extraordinary cir-

cumstances. Holiness is not rapture: it is

an entire surrender of the will to God;, it

is living by every word that proceeds from

the mouth of God; it is doing the will of

our heavenly Father; it is trusting God in

trial, in darkness as well as in the light; it

is walking by faith and not by sight; it is

relying on God with unquestioning con-

fidence, and resting in His love."—The

Acts

of the Apostles,

page 51.

How is faith cultivated? Rom.

10:17.

[4]

NoTE.—In order to grow and to be-

come strong and invincible, faith must

constantly be nourished on its native

food—the Word of God. To neglect the

study of God's Holy Word is to starve

faith. It is by faith that the miracle of a

transformed life is wrought; it is by faith

that our prayers are answered. It is by

faith that we are to overcome the wicked

one; it is by faith that the Holy Spirit is

to dwell in our hearts. If faith is anemic

for want of feeding on the Word of God,

every other aspect of the Christian life

will be correspondingly weak.

"The truth is to be planted in the heart.

It is to control the mind and regulate the

affections. The whole character must be

stamped with the divine utterances. Every

jot and tittle of the Word of God is to

be brought into the daily practice."—

Christ's Object Lessons,

page 314. See also

The Desire of Ages,

page 126.

How will genuine faith mani-

fest itself? Gal. 5:6. Compare James

2:17; Heb. 11:8.

Faith, the Imperative Factor

How vital is faith to fellowship

with God? Heb. 11:6.

NOTE.—"Jesus says, 'I

am the

vine, ye

are the branches' (John 15:5). Can we

conceive of a more intimate relation than

this implies? . .. This spiritual relation be-

tween Christ and the soul can be estab-

lished only through the exercise of personal

faith. 'Without faith it is impossible to

please Him' (Heb. 11:6) ; for it is faith

that connects us with the power of heaven,

and brings us strength for coping with

the powers of darkness. . . . Faith familiar-

izes the soul with the existence and pres-

ence of God, and, living with an eye single

to the glory of God, more and more we

discern the beauty of His character, the

excellence of His grace. Our souls become

strong in spiritual power; for we are

breathing the atmosphere of heaven, and

realizing that God is at our right hand,

that we shall not be

moved."—Selected

Messages,

Bk. 1, pp. 334, 335.

To what two perplexing ques-

tions does faith provide the answers?

Heb. 11:3; 2 Peter 3:13.

How only is the grace of God

accessible to the repentant sinner?

Eph. 2:8; 3:17.

NOTE.—"The law demands righteousness,

and this the sinner owes to the law; but he

is incapable of rendering it. The only way

in which he can attain to righteousness is

through faith. By faith he can bring to

God the merits of Christ, and the Lord

places the obedience of His Son to the

sinner's account. Christ's righteousness is

accepted in place of man's failure, and God

receives, pardons, justifies, the repentant,

believing soul, treats him as though he

were righteous, and loves him as He loves

His Son. This is how faith is accounted

righteousness."—Ellen G. White Comments,

S.D.A. Bible Commentary,

Vol. 6, p. 1073.

What comes to us as a result of

exercising genuine faith? Rom. 15:13.

NOTE.—Faith must never be based on

one's feelings, but on the promises of God;

joy and peace come as a result of believing.

In other words, faith precedes feeling.

"There is peace in believing, and joy in

the Holy Ghost. Believing brings peace, and

trusting in God brings joy. Believe, be-

lieve! my soul says, believe. Rest in God."

—Testimonies,

Vol. 2, pp. 319, 320.

10.

What is possible for one who

exercises faith? Mark 9:23.

11.

How is spiritual prosperity re-

lated to faith? 2 Chron. 20:20.

Warnings and Counsels

12.

What will characterize the days

preceding Christ's return? Luke 18:8;

2 Peter 3:3, 4.

]

Norr•..—"This is a time when the ques-

tion with all propriety may be asked,

`When the Son of man cometh, shall He

find faith on the earth ?' (Luke 18:8).

"Spiritual darkness has covered the earth

and gross darkness the people. There are

in many churches skepticism and infidelity

in the interpretation of the Scriptures.

Many, very many, are questioning the

verity and truth of the Scriptures. Human

reasoning and the imaginings of the human

heart are undermining the inspiration of

the Word of God, and that which should

be received as granted, is surrounded with

a cloud of mysticism. Nothing stands out

in clear and distinct lines, upon rock bot-

tom. This is one of the marked signs of

the last

days."—Selected Messages,

Bk. 1,

p. 15.

13. What counsel is given those

who await the return of the Lord?

Heb. 10:35-37.

NOTE.

-"It

will not be long till we shall

see Him in whom our hopes of eternal

life are centered. And in His presence, all

the trials and sufferings of this life will be

as nothingness. 'Cast not away therefore

your confidence, which bath great recom-

pense of reward. For ye have need of

patience, that, after ye have done the will

of God, ye might receive the promise. . .

Look up, look up, and let your faith con-

tinually increase. Let this faith guide you

along the narrow path that leads through

the gates of the City of God into the great

beyond, the wide, unbounded future of

glory that is for the redeemed."—Testi-

monies,

Vol. 9, pp. 287, 288.

14. What will the shield of faith

enable us to do? Eph. 6:16.

Lesson 2, for April 13, 1968

Faith and a Knowledge of God

MEMORY VERSE:

"And this

is life

eternal, that they might know Thee the only

true God, and Jesus Christ, whom Thou host sent." John 17:3.

STUDY HELPS:

"Testimonies," Vol. 8, pp. 263-278; "Steps to Christ," chapter,

Knowledge of God"; "S.D.A. Bible Commentary."

STUDY AIM:

A realization that the revelation God has given of Himself is

sufficient to inspire faith and confidence in the hearts of all who sincerely

seek Him.

Lesson Outline:

Introduction

I. A Knowledge of God Is Vital

Salvation is to know God.

John 17:3.

The essential knowledge. Jer.

9:23, 24.

God has no rivals. Isa. 43:10;

44:6.

We believe that God is. Heb. 11:6.

II. God Has Revealed Himself

In nature. Rom. 1:19, 20;

Ps. 19:1;

Isa. 40:25, 26.

Through revelation. Heb. 1:1;

2 Tim. 3:16.

In and through Jesus Christ.

Heb. 1:2 ; 2 Cor. 4:6.

Through His providences. Ps. 34:

6-8; 107:43.

III. We Can Approach God

9. Seeking and finding God.

Jer. 29:13, 14.

[6]

10.

We have a Mediator. 1 Tim. 2:5;

1 John 2:1.

11.

God Himself loves us. John 16:27;

3:16.

12.

Access through the Son.

Matt. 11:27; John 14:6.

13.

Father and Son will abide with us.

John 14:23 ; Isa. 57:15.

14.

Fellowship the ultimate goal.

1 John 1:3.

THE LESSON

Introduction

"We are too faithless. Oh, how I wish

that I could lead our people to have faith

in God! They need not feel that in order

to exercise faith they must be wrought up

into a high state of excitement. All they

have to do is to believe God's Word, just as

they believe one another's word. He hath

said it, and He will perform His Word.

Calmly rely on His promise, because He

means all that He says. Say, He has spoken

to me in His Word, and He will fulfill every

promise that He has made. Do not become

restless. Be trustful. God's Word is true."

—Selected Messages,

Bk. 1, pp. 83, 84.

A Knowledge of God Is Vital

What is a knowledge of God

declared to be? John 17:3.

NOTE.—"In His prayer to the Father,

Christ gave to the world a lesson which

should be graven on mind and soul. 'This

is life eternal,' He said, 'that they might

know Thee the only true God, and Jesus

Christ, whom Thou hast sent.' John 17:3.

This is true education. It imparts power.

The experimental knowledge of God and

of Jesus Christ whom He has sent, trans-

forms man into the image of God. It gives

to man the mastery of himself, bringing

every impulse and passion of the lower

nature under the control of the higher

powers of the mind. It makes its possessor

a son of God and an heir of heaven. It

brings him into communion with the mind

of the Infinite, and opens to him the rich

treasures of the

universe."—Christ's Object

Lessons,

page 114.

In what only should man take

pride? Jer. 9:23, 24.

NOTE.—"If men could see for a moment

beyond the range of finite vision, if they

could catch a glimpse of the Eternal, every

mouth would be stopped in its boasting.

Men living in this little atom of a world

are finite; God has unnumbered worlds

that are obedient to His laws and are con-

ducted with reference to His glory. When

men have gone as far in scientific research

as their limited powers will permit, there

is still an infinity beyond what they can

apprehend."—Counsels

to Parents, Teach-

ers, and Students,

page 66.

What is said of the true God as

compared with all false gods? Isa.

43:10; 44:6.

What is it essential to believe

concerning God? Heb. 11:6.

NOTE.—"There is no encouragement

given for unbelief. The Lord manifests His

grace and His power over and over again,

and this should teach us that it is always

profitable under all circumstances to cher-

ish faith, to talk faith, to act faith. We

are not to have our hearts and hands

weakened by allowing the suggestions of

suspicious minds to plant in our hearts the

seeds of doubt and distrust."—Ellen G.

White Comments,

S.D.A. Bible Commen-

tary,

Vol. 7, p. 928.

God Has Revealed Himself

Of what does nature testify?

Rom. 1:19, 20; Ps. 19:1; Isa. 40:25, 26.

NoTE.—"It is not

that they do not

know the truth about God: indeed He has

made it quite plain to them. For since the

beginning of the world the invisible attri-

butes of God, for example, His eternal

power and divinity, have been plainly dis-

cernible through things which He has made

and which are commonly seen and known,

thus leaving these men without a rag of

excuse. They knew all the time that there

is a God, yet they refused to acknowledge

Him as such." Rom. 1:19-21. (From

The

New Testament in Modern English,

copy-

right J. B. Phillips, 1958. Used by permis-

sion of The Macmillan Company.)

Through what means other than

nature has God revealed Himself to

humanity? Heb. 1:1; 2 Tim. 3:16.

NOTE.—"God speaks to us in His Word.

Here we have in clearer lines the revelation

of His character, of His dealings with men,

and the great work of redemption. Here

is open before us the history of patriarchs

and prophets and other holy men of old.

They were men 'subject to like passions

as we are.' James 5:17. We see how they

struggled through discouragements like our

own, how they fell under temptation as

we have done, and yet took heart again

and conquered through the grace of God;

and, beholding, we are encouraged in our

striving after righteousness."—Steps

Christ,

pages 87, 88.

Through whom did God make

the most complete revelation of Him-

self? Heb. 1:2; 2 Cor. 4:6. Compare

John 14:9.

NOTE.—"Who is Christ?—He is the only-

begotten Son of the living God. He is to

the Father as a word that expresses the

thought,—as a thought made audible.

Christ is the Word of God. Christ said to

Philip, 'He that bath seen Me, hath seen

the Father.' His words were the echo of

God's words. Christ was the likeness of

God, the brightness of His glory, the ex-

press image of His person.. . .

"Christ came to teach human beings

what God desires them to know. In the

heavens above, in the earth, in the broad

waters of the ocean, we see the handiwork

of God. All created things testify to His

power, His wisdom, His love. But not from

the stars or the ocean or the cataract •can

we learn of the personality of God as it is

revealed in Christ."—Sons

and Daughters

of God,

page 21.

In what other manner does God

reveal Himself? Ps. 34:6-8; 107:43.

NOTE.—"God speaks to us through His

providential workings, and through the in-

fluence of His Spirit upon the heart."—

Steps to Christ,

page 87.

We Can Approach God

What remarkable assurance has

God given? Jer. 29:13, 14.

NOTE.—"The whole heart must be yielded

to God, or the change can never be wrought

in us by which we are to be restored to

His likeness. By nature we are alienated

from God. . . . God desires to heal us, to

set us free. But since this requires an en-

tire• transformation, a renewing of our

whole nature, we must yield ourselves

wholly to

Him."—Steps to Christ,

page 43.

10.

In what capacity does Jesus now

serve His believing children? 1 Tim.

2:5; 1 John 2:1.

11.

What did Jesus say of God's

attitude toward us? John 16:27; 3:16.

NOTE.—"Said Jesus: 'The Father Him-

self loveth you.' If our faith is fixed upon

God, through Christ, it will prove 'as an

anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast,

and which entereth into that within the

vail; whither the Forerunner is for us

entered.' It is true that disappointments

will come; tribulation we must expect; but

we are to commit everything, great and

small, to God. He does not become per-

plexed by the multiplicity of our griev-

ances nor overpowered by the weight of

our burdens. His watchcare extends to

every household and encircles every in-

dividual; He is concerned in all our busi-

ness and our sorrows. He marks every

tear; He is touched with the feeling of our

infirmities. All the afflictions and trials that

befall us here are permitted, to work out

His purposes of love toward us, 'that we

might be partakers of His holiness' and

thus become participants in that fullness

of joy which is found in His presence."—

Testimonies,

Vol.

p. 742.

12. How only can we approach God

the Father? Matt. 11:27; John 14:6.

NOTE.—"Jehovah did not deem the plan

of salvation complete while invested only

with His love. He has placed at His altar

an Advocate clothed in our nature. As our

Intercessor, Christ's office work is to in-

troduce us to God as His sons and daugh-

ters. He intercedes in behalf of those who

receive Him. With His own blood He has

paid their ransom. By virtue of His merits

He gives them power to become members

of the royal family, children of the heav-

enly King. And the Father demonstrates

His infinite love for Christ by receiving

and welcoming Christ's friends as His

friends."—Testimonies,

Vol. 8, p. 177.

13.

With whom will the Father and

the Son make their abode? John 14:

23; Isa. 57:15.

14.

What is the final goal of all our

spiritual endeavors? 1 John 1:3. Com-

pare John 10:28, 29.

NorE.—The Infinite God has provided

evidence of His existence, His love, and His

concern for us sufficient to lead everyone

who is honest in heart into a satisfying and

and unbroken fellowship with Him. No

one need miss the way. God can re-create

the human heart with a capacity for fel-

lowship with the divine. All of God's deal-

ings with human beings are with the in-

tent that "they should seek the Lord, if

haply they might feel after Him, and find

Him, though He be not far from every

one of us: for in Him we live, and move,

and have our being." Acts 17:27, 28.

Lesson 3, for April 20, 1968

Faith and God's Promises

MEMORY VERSE:

"Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious

promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having

escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust." 2 Peter 1:4.

STUDY HELPS:

"Patriarchs and Prophets," pages 621, 622; "Education," pages

253-255; "Selected Messages," Bk. 1, pp. 83-85; Bk. 2, pp. 242-245; "S.D.A.

Bible Commentary."

STUDY AIM:

To appreciate the greatness of God's promises, and to learn how

appropriate them by faith.

Lesson Outline:

Introduction

I. The Vastness of God's Promises

Exceeding great and precious.

2 Peter 1:4.

All our needs covered. Phil.

4:19; Ps. 84:11.

Spiritual blessings supplied.

Eph. 1:3 ; 2 Peter 1:3, 4.

Temporal necessities provided.

Matt. 6:30-34 ; Acts 14:17.

II. The Nature of God's Promises

They are trustworthy. James

1:17;

Num. 23:19.

They are unfailing. 2 Cor. 1:20.

SABBATH (§8HOOL DEPARTMENT

GENERAL

CONFERENVR

They require man's cooperation.

Isa. 1:19, 20.

They are conditional. Deut. 11:

26-28; 1 John 1:9; Rev. 3:20.

Conditions for Fulfillment of

God's Promises

Firmly believe the promises. Luke

24:25; 1 'Mess. 2:13.

10.

Be fully persuaded God will per-

form His word. Rom. 4:20, 21.

11.

Meet conditions of the promises.

Deut. 28:1, 2, 13, 14; Jer. 18:9, 10.

12.

Accept the promises by faith as

though fulfilled. 1 John 5:14, 15;

Mark 11:24.

13.

Express gratitude for the promises.

Phil. 4:6; Eph. 5:20.

'THE LESSON

Introduction

In His plan for the redemption of man,

our heavenly Father has provided for all

our needs with specific promises. Recorded

in His Holy Word, these promises are "ex-

ceeding great and precious." "In them He

is speaking to us individually, speaking

as directly as if we could listen to His

voice. It is in these promises that Christ

communicates to us His grace and power.

They are leaves from that tree which is

`for the healing of the nations.' . . . Re-

ceived, assimilated, they are to be the

strength of the character, the inspiration

and sustenance of the life. Nothing else can

have such healing power. Nothing besides

can impart the courage and faith which

give vital energy to the whole being."—

Tke

Ministry of Healing,

page 122.

In this lesson we shall see how vast are

God's provisions, and how, by faith and

obedience, we can appropriate these prom-

ises in our daily lives. God's promises were

not meant merely to arouse our interest

and admiration; they were intended for

our appropriation. God's gifts are in His

promises—when we accept the promises by

faith, the gifts are ours also.

The Vastness of God's Promises

1. With what words does the apos-

tle Peter describe God's promises?

What are these promises designed to

do for us? 2 Peter 1:4.

NOTE.—An amazing transformation is as-

sured in the lives of those who appropri-

ate the promises of God by faith. They

may become "partakers of the divine na-

ture"!

"There are many who,- though striving

to obey God's commandments, have little

peace or joy. This lack in their experience

is the result of a failure to exercise faith.

They walk as it were in a salt land, a

parched wilderness. They claim little, when

they might claim much; for there is no

limit to the promises of God. Such ones do

not correctly represent the sanctification

that comes through obedience to the truth.

The Lord would have all His sons and

daughters happy, peaceful, and obedient.

Through the exercise of faith the believer

comes into possession of these blessings.

Through faith, every deficiency of char-

acter may be supplied."—The

Acts of the

Apostles,

pages 563, 564.

How comprehensive is God's

care and provision for His children?

Phil. 4:19; Ps. 84:11.

NoTa.—"Worry is blind and cannot dis-

cern the future; but Jesus sees the end

from the beginning. In every difficulty He

has His way prepared to bring relief. 'No

good thing will He withhold from them

that walk uprightly.' Matt. 11:30; Ps. 84:

11.

"Our heavenly Father has a thousand

ways to provide for us of which we know

nothing. Those who accept the one prin-

ciple of making the service of God supreme,

will find perplexities vanish and a plain

path before their feet."—The

Ministry of

Healing,

page 481.

What provision has God made

for our spiritual growth? Eph. 1:3;

2 Peter 1:3, 4.

C19]

What promise is given concern-

ing man's temporal needs? Matt. 6:

30-34; Acts 14:17.

NorE.—"Christ is the source of all tem-

poral, as well as all spiritual blessings.. .

"How can those who expect to stand

around Christ's throne, and to be clothed

with His righteousness, distrust God, and

fear that He will leave them to come to

want? Where is their faith? Our heavenly

Father feeds the ravens, and will He not

much more feed us? . . . If we had a right

view of Christ, we would permit nothing

to interpose between ourselves and Him."

—Sons and Daughters of God,

page 234.

The Nature of God's Promises

What characteristic of God

makes His promises trustworthy?

James 1:17; Num. 23:19. Compare

Joshua 21:45.

What is said of the reliability of

all God's promises made through Je-

sus Christ? 2 Cor. 1:20. Compare Ps.

37:25.

NOTE.—" 'Wherefore, if God so clothe

the grass of the field, which today is, and

tomorrow is cast into the oven, shall He

not much more clothe you, 0 ye of little

faith?' Can you not

trust

in your heavenly

Father? Can you not

rest

upon His gra-

cious promise? 'Seek ye first the kingdom of

God, and His righteousness; and all these

things shall be added unto you.' Precious

promise! Can you not

rely

upon it? Can

we not have

implicit trust,

knowing that

He is faithful who hath promised? I en-

treat you to let your trembling faith again

grasp

the promises of God.

Bear your

whole weight upon them

with unwavering

faith; for they will not, they cannot, fail."

—Testimonies,

Vol. 2, p. 497. (Emphasis

supplied.)

To experience the fulfillment of

God's promises, what must be our at-

titude? Isa. 1:19, 20-.

NoTE.—"In the work of salvation there

is a cooperation of human and divine agen-

cies. There is much said concerning the

inefficiency of human effort, and yet the

Lord does nothing for the salvation of the

soul without the cooperation of man. The

Word of God is clear and distinct on this

point, and yet when so much depends upon

our cooperation with the heavenly agen-

cies, men conduct themselves as though

they could afford to set aside the claims

of God, and let the things of eternal im-

portance wait their convenience."—Funda-

mentals

of Christian Education,

pages 217,

218.

What indications do we have

that God's promises are conditional?

Deut. 11:26-28; 1 John 1:9; Rev. 3:20.

NOTE.-"All

His [God's] gifts are prom- ,

ised on condition of obedience. God has

a heaven full of blessings for those who

will cooperate with Him. All who obey

Him may with confidence claim the ful-

fillment of His promises."—Christ's

Object

Lessons,

page 145.

Conditions for Fulfillment of

God's Promises

How should we regard the Bible

promises? Luke 24:25; 1 Thess. 2:13.

NoTE.—"The good-ground hearer re-

ceives the Word ‘notas the word of men.

but as it is in truth, the Word of God.'

1 Thess. 2:13. Only he who receives the

Scriptures as the voice of God speaking

to himself is a true learner. He trembles at

the Word; for to him it is a living re-

ality."—Christ's Object Lessons,

page 59.

10.

Of what must we as individuals

be fully persuaded in order to exper-

ience the fulfillment of God's prom-

ises? Rom. 4:20, 21. Compare Dan.

3:16-18; Matt. 9:28, 29.

11.

Upon what does the fulfillment

of such promises depend? Deut. 28:1,

13, 14; Jer. 18:9, 10.

NOTE.—"Those who bring their petitions

to God, claiming His promise while they

do not comply with the conditions, insult

Jehovah. They bring the name of Christ

as their authority for the fulfillment of the

promise, but they do not those things that

would show faith in Christ and love for

Him.

"Many are forfeiting the conditions of

acceptance with the Father. We need to

examine closely the deed of trust where-

with we approach God. If we are dis-

obedient, we bring to the Lord a note to

be cashed when we have not fulfilled the

conditions that would make it payable to

us. We present to God His promises, and

ask Him to fulfill them, when by so doing

He would dishonor His own name."—

Christ's Object Lessons,

page 143.

12. When we comply with the con-

ditions God wisely attaches to His

promises, what assurance is ours?

1 John 5:14, 15; Mark 11:24.

NOTE.—"Is Jesus true? Does He mean

what He says? Answer decidedly, Yes,

every word. Then if you have settled this,

by faith claim every promise that He has

made, and receive the blessing; for this

acceptance by faith gives life to the soul.

You may believe that Jesus is true to you,

even though you feel yourself to be the

weakest and most unworthy of His

chil-

dren."—Testimonies to Ministers,

page 517.

"For any gift He has promised, we may

ask; then we are to believe that we re-

ceive, and return thanks to God that we

have received.

"We need look for no outward evidence

of the blessing. The gift is in the promise,

and we may go about our work assured

that what God has promised He is able

to perform, and that the gift, which we

already possess, will be realized when we

need it

most."—Education,

page 258.

13. What should be mingled with

all our petitions? Phil. 4:6; Eph. 5:20.

Lesson 4, for April 27, 1968

Faith and the Promise of Reconciliation

MEMORY VERSE:

"For if,

when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by

the death of His Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by

His life." Romans 5:10.

STUDY HELPS:

"Patriarchs and Prophets," pages 33-70; "The Desire of Ages,"

pages 19-26, 114-131, 741-764; "S.D.A. Bible Commentary"; "The Great

Controversy," pages 675-678.

STUDY AIM:

To deepen the assurance of acceptance into the family of God.

Lesson Outline:

Introduction

Estranged From God

A happy beginning. Gen. 1:27, 28;

2:15.

Free moral agents—a choice.

Gen. 2:17.

.3. Failure and estrangement.

Gen. 3:6-8, 19, 24.

4. Man's condition hopeless.

Eph. 2:12; Rom. 5:12.

II. Love Found a Way

God took the initiative. 1 John

4:10; Rom. 5:8.

Christ took man's place. Heb. 2:9.

Christ bore man's guilt. 2 Cor.

5:21; Isa. 53:4-6.

Reconciliation assured. Rom. 5:10;

Col. 1:21.

III. The Estrangement Ended;

Reconciliation Effected

From sinners to sons. Matt. 11:28;

John 12:32 ; 1:12.

10.

The new birth. John 3:3;

1 Cor. 6:9-11.

[12]

11.

Adopted into the royal family.

Gal. 4:4-7; Eph. 2:19.

12.

Represented before the Father.

Heb. 7:25; 1 Tim. 2:5.

13.

Heirs to an inheritance. Rom.

8:18; Rev. 21:7.

14.

The return of the redeemed.

Isa. 35:10.

THE LESSON

Introduction

"The sin of Adam and Eve caused a

fearful separation between God and man.

And Christ steps in between fallen man and

God, and says to man: 'You may yet come

to the Father; there is a plan devised

through which God can be reconciled to

man, and man to God; through a mediator

you can approach God.' And now He

stands to mediate for you. He is the great

High Priest who is pleading in your be-

half; and you are to come and present

your case to the Father through Jesus

Christ. Thus you can find access to God;

and though you sin, your case is not hope-

less. 'If any man sin, we have an Advocate

with the Father, Jesus Christ the righ-

teous.'

"—Testimonies,

Vol. 2, p. 591. Faith

makes this experience a reality.

Estranged From God

In the beginning, what was the

condition of the first family? What

privilege did they enjoy? Gen. 1:27,

28; 2:15.

NOTE.—To man, the crowning work of

His creation, God gave three precious pos-

sessions: life, Gen. 2:7; a home, Gen. 2:

15 ; dominion, Gen. 1:28.

With what special capacity did

the Creator endow the first pair? Gen.

2:17.

NoTE.—With the power to choose be-

tween good and evil also came account-

ability. Man, who is permitted to choose,

must also accept the consequences of his

choices. The consequences were made very

plain.

What was the result of the un-

wise choice made by Adam and Eve?

Gen. 3:6-8, 19, 24.

NOTE.—How true are the words of

Isaiah: "For thus saith the Lord, Ye have

sold yourselves for nought; and ye shall

be redeemed without money." Isa. 52:3.

All that Adam and Eve were endowed

with they lost through disobedience: in-

nocence, Gen. 3:7; life, Gen. 3:19; home,

Gen. 3:23, 24; dominion, Heb. 2:8. God's

plan of reconciliation will, through Christ,

restore all that was lost through Adam.

Acts 3:21.

As a consequence of transgres-

sion, what is man's condition? Eph.

2:12; Rom. 5:12.

Love Found a Way

Who took the initiative in bring-

ing about a reconciliation? Why did

God do this? 1 John 4:10; Rom. 5:8.

In becoming our Saviour, whose

place did Christ take? What was in-

volved? Heb. 2:9.

NoTE.—"After Christ had condescended

to leave His high command, step down

from an infinite height and assume hu-

manity, He could have taken upon Him

any condition of humanity He might

choose. But greatness and rank were noth-

ing to Him, and He selected the lowest

and most humble walk of life."—Ellen G.

White Comments,

S.D.A. Bible Commen-

tary, Vol.

7, p.

903.

[ 13 ]

"In Christ dwelt all the fullness of the

Godhead. But the only way in which He

could reach men was to veil His glory by

a garb of humanity. The angels beheld the

hiding of His glory, that divinity might

touch humanity. Christ ever retained the ut-

most hatred for sin, but He loved the pur-

chase of His blood. He suffered in the

place of sinful men, taking them into union

with Himself."—Ibid., p. 904.

How closely did Christ identify

Himself with sinners? 2 Cor. 5:21;

Isa. 53:4-6.

NOTE.—"Christ made satisfaction for the

guilt of the whole world, and all who will

come to God in faith, will receive the righ-

teousness of Christ, 'who His own self bare

our sins in His own body on the tree,

that we, being dead to sins, should live

unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye

were healed' (1 Peter 2:24). Our sin has

been expiated, put away, cast into the

depths of the sea. Through repentance and

faith we are rid of sin, and look unto the

Lord our righteousness. Jesus suffered, the

just for the

unjust."—Selected Messages,

Bk. 1, pp. 392, 393.

As a result of Christ's infinite

sacrifice, what was assured to sinners?

Rom. 5:10; Col. 1:21.

NOTE.—Our reconciliation with the Fa-

ther was assured. The way into the pres-

ence of God was opened. "In Him we

have a complete offering, an infinite sacri-

fice, a mighty Saviour, who is able to save

unto the uttermost all who come unto God

by Him. In love He comes to reveal the

Father, reconcile man to God, to make him

a new creature renewed after the image of

Him who created him.

"Jesus is our atoning sacrifice. We can

make no atonement for ourselves; but by

faith we can accept the atonement that

has been

made."—Selected Messages,

Bk. 1,

pp. 321, 322.

The Estrangement Ended;

Reconciliation Effected

In view of the reconciliation

provided, what gracious invitation

and positive assurance is extended to

sinners? Matt. 11:28; John 12:32;

1:12.

10.

What marvelous transforma-

tion comes to all who by faith em-

brace the provisions God has made

for our reconciliation? John

3:3;

1 Cor. 6:9-11.

NOTE.—"The Lord Jesus is making ex-

periments on human hearts through the

exhibition of His mercy and abundant

grace. He is effecting transformations so

amazing that Satan, with all his triumph-

ant boasting, with all his confederacy of evil

united against God and the laws of His

government, stands viewing them as a for-

tress impregnable to his sophistries and

delusions. They are to him an incompre-

hensible mystery. The angels of God, sera-

phim and cherubim, the powers commis-

sioned to cooperate with human agencies,

look on with astonishment and joy, that

fallen men, once children of wrath, are

through the training of Christ developing

characters after the divine similitude, to

be sons and daughters of God, to act an

important part in the occupations and

pleasures of heaven."—Sons

and Daugh-

ters of God,

page 356.

•

11.

Into what family are trans-

formed sinners adopted? Gal. 4:4-7;

Eph. 2:19.

NoTE.—"The only-begotten Son of God

has died that we might live. The Lord has

accepted this sacrifice in our behalf, as our

substitute and surety, on the condition that

we receive Christ and believe on Him.

The sinner must come in faith to Christ,

take hold of His merits, lay his sins upon

the Sin Bearer, and receive His pardon. It

was for this cause that Christ came into

the world. Thus the righteousness of Christ

is imputed to the repenting, believing sin-

ner. He becomes a member of the royal

family, a child of the heavenly King, an

heir of God, and joint heir with Christ"—

Selected Messages,

Bk. 1, p. 215.

[ 14 ]

12.

In what capacity does Christ

now serve before the Father? Heb.

7:25; 1 Tim. 2:5. Compare 1 John 2:1.

NOTE.

-"The

intercession of Christ in

man's behalf in the sanctuary above is as

essential to the plan of salvation as was

His death upon the cross. By His death

He began that work which after His res-

urrection He ascended to complete in

heaven."-The

Great Controversy,

page

489.

13.

By virtue of membership in the

royal family, to what may the chil-

dren of God look forward? Rom. 8:

18; Rev. 21:7.

NOTE.

-"Language

fails to express the

value of the immortal inheritance. The

glory, riches, and honor offered by the Son

of God are of such infinite value that it is

beyond the power of men or even angels

to give any just idea of their worth, their

excellence, their

magnificence."-Testinto-

nies,

Vol. 2, p. 40.

14.

What picture does Isaiah por-

tray of the ransomed as they return

to their eternal home? Isa. 35:10.

Lesson 5, for May 4, 1968

Faith and the Promise. of Pardon

MEMORY VERSE:

"Let

the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his

thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and He will have mercy upon

him; and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon." Isaiah 55:7.

STUDY HELPS:

"Steps to Christ," chapters, "Repentance" and "Confession"; "Testi-

monies," Vol. 5, pp. 635-641.

STUDY AIM:

gain a fuller appreciation of the assurance of pardon given to

every believing child of God.

Lesson Outline:

Introduction

The Universal Need for Pardon

All have sinned and need pardon.

Rom. 3:23; 5:12.

The consequences of sin.

Rom. 6:23 ; Prov. 11:19; Isa. 59:2.

Sin enslaves. John 8:34 ; Rom.

6:16.

No human remedy. Jer. 2:22;

13:23 ; Rom. 7:18-20, 24.

II. The Promise of Pardon

God's attitude toward sinners.

Micah 7:18; Ex. 34:6, 7.

The price of our pardon.

Eph. 1:7; 1 John 4:10.

An Advocate provided. Rom.

8:34; Heb. 9:24.

God's invitation to all. Isa. 1:18.

Ili. Conditions of Pardon

Recognition of our need. Job 42:5,

6; Ps. 51:4, 5.

10.

Confession. 1 John 1:9; Prov.

28:13; Ps. 32:5.

11.

Thorough repentance and reforma-

tion. Ezek. 18:30; 2 Chron. 7:14;

Isa. 55:7.

12.

Willingness to forgive others.

Matt. 6:12, 14, 15; 18:21, 22.

IV. The Assurance of Pardon

13.

Sins pardoned and forgotten.

Jer. 31:34; Heb. 10:22, 23 ;

1 John 5:14, 15.

[15

THE LESSON

there is not a more fearful warning against

trifling with evil than the words of the

wise man that the sinner 'shall be holden

with the cords of his sins.' Prov. 5:22."—

Steps to Christ,

page 34.

4. How does the Bible state the im-

possibility of man's freeing himself

from sin and its effects? Jer. 2:22; 13:

23; Rom. 7:18-20, 24.

Introduction

Every individual has a past as well as

a present. That past we cannot ignore, for

memory keeps us constantly in touch with

it. In the past, "all have sinned, and come

short of the glory of God." It is the studied

purpose of Satan, the originator of evil, to

haunt humanity with the sins of the past.

The result is frustration and bewilderment.

Mankind has been offered many self-help

remedies for guilt and frustration, but all

such remedies have proved futile. Without

divine intervention the condition of the

human family is hopeless.

But God has intervened. An incalculable

price has been paid for our sins. A foun-

tain has been opened for sin and unclean-

ness, where we may wash and be clean.

The promise is explicit and clear: "Though

your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as

white as snow; though they be red like

crimson, they shall be as wool." Isa. 1:18.

May God bring to each heart the

assurance

of forgiveness.

The Universal Need for Pardon

How many are in need of par-

don? Why? Rom. 3:23; 5:12.

Unless we repent of our sins

and receive pardon, what will be the

result? Rom. 6:23; Prov. 11:19; Isa.

59:2.

What is the condition of one

who yields to sin? John 8:34; Rom.

6:16.

NOTE.—"Even one wrong trait of char-

acter, one sinful desire, persistently cher-

ished, will eventually neutralize all the

power of the gospel. Every sinful indul-

gence strengthens the soul's aversion to

God. The man who manifests an infidel

hardihood, or a stolid indifference to divine

truth, is but reaping the harvest of that

which he has himself sown. In all the Bible

NOTE.—"As your conscience has been

quickened by the Holy Spirit, you have

seen something of the evil of sin, of its

power, its guilt, its woe; and you look

upon it with abhorrence. You feel that

sin has separated you from God, that you

are in bondage to the power of evil. The

more you struggle to escape, the more you

realize your helplessness. Your motives are

impure; your heart is unclean. You see

that your life has been filled with selfish-

ness and sin. You long to be forgiven, to

be cleansed, to be set free. Harmony with

God, likeness to Him—what can you do to

obtain it?

"It is peace you need—Heaven's forgive-

ness and peace and love in the soul. Money

cannot buy it, intellect cannot procure it,

wisdom cannot attain to it; you can never

hope, by your own efforts, to secure it."—

Steps to Christ,

page 49.

The Promise of Pardon

5. What is God's disposition and

attitude toward sinners? Micah 7:18;

Ex. 34:6, 7.

NOTE.—"The Lord is full of compassion

for His suffering ones. What sins are too

great for His pardon? He is merciful, and

as such is infinitely more ready and more

pleased to pardon than to condemn. He is

gracious, not looking for wrong in us; He

knoweth our frame; He remembereth that

we are but dust. In His boundless com-

passion and mercy He heals all our back-

slidings, loving us freely while we are yet

sinners, withdrawing not His light, but

shining on us for Christ's

sake."—Selected

Messages,

Bk. 2, p. 231.

[ 16 ]

What action did God's love

prompt Him to take for our pardon?

Eph. 1:7; 1 John 4:10.

NOTE.—"All heaven suffered in Christ's

agony; but that suffering did not begin or

end with His manifestation in humanity.

The cross is a revelation to our dull senses

of the pain that, from its very inception,

sin has brought to the heart of God.

Every departure from the right, every deed

of cruelty, every failure of humanity to

reach His ideal, brings grief to Him."—

Education,

page 263.

"Without the cross, man could have no

union with the Father. On it depends our

every hope. From it shines the light of the

Saviour's love, and when at the foot of the

cross the sinner looks up to the One who

died to save him, he may rejoice with full-

ness of joy, for his sins are pardoned.

Kneeling in faith at the cross, he has

reached the highest place to which man can

attain."—The

Acts of the Apostles,

pages

209, 210.

How is the Christian's case rep-

resented before the Father? Rom. 8:

34; Heb. 9:24.

NOTE.—"Eireryone who will break from

the slavery and service of Satan, and will

stand under the blood-stained banner of

Prince Emmanuel will be kept by Christ's

intercessions. Christ, as our Mediator, at

the right hand of the Father,- ever keeps

us in view, for it is as necessary that He

should keep us by His intercessions as

that He should redeem us with His blood.

If He lets go His hold of us for one mo-

ment, Satan stands ready to destroy. Those

purchased by His blood, He now keeps by

His intercession."—Ellen G. White Com-

ments,

S.D.A. Bible Commentary,

Vol. 6,

p. 1078.

What compelling invitation does

God extend to all? Isa. 1:18.

Conditions of Pardon

What revelation of ourselves will

motivate us to seek God's pardon?

Job 42:5, 6; Psalm 51:4, 5. Compare

Luke 15:17, 18.

NOTE.—"No deep-seated love for Jesus

can dwell in the heart that does not realize

its own sinfulness....

"The less we see to esteem in ourselves,

the more we shall see to esteem in the in-

finite purity and loveliness of our Saviour.

A view of our sinfulness drives us to Him

who can pardon; and when the soul, real-

izing its helplessness, reaches out after

Christ, He will reveal Himself in power.

The more our sense of need drives us to

Him and to the Word of God, the more

exalted views we shall have of His char-

acter, and the more fully we shall reflect

His

image."—Steps to Christ,

page 65.

10.

What is required of those who

seek forgiveness? How definite must

our confessions be? 1 John 1:9; Prov.

28:13; Ps. 32:5.

NOTE.—"There is great need today of

just such sincere, heartfelt repentance and

confession [as that of Daniell. Those who

have not humbled• their souls before God in

acknowledging their guilt have not yet ful-

filled the first condition of acceptance."—

Testimonies,

Vol. 5, p. 636.

11.

What must accompany confes-

sion in order that it may be acceptable

to God? Ezek. 18:30; 2 Chron. 7:14;

Isa. 55:7. Compare Lev. 6:4, 5.

NOTE.—"Confession will not be accept-

able to God without sincere repentance

and reformation. There must be decided

changes in the life; everything offensive to

God must be put

away."—Steps to Christ,

page 39.

Note the heartfelt repentance of David

recorded in Psalm 51.

12.

What spirit must we maintain

toward others if we would have our

sins pardoned? Matt. 6:12, 14, 15;

18:21, 22.

NOTE.—"We are not forgiven

because

we forgive, but

we forgive. The ground

of all forgiveness is found in the unmerited

love of God, but by our attitude toward

others we show whether we have made

that love our

own."—Christ's Object Les-

Sons,

page 251.

The Assurance of Pardon

13.

When we believe God's prom-

ises and comply with the conditions,

what assurance may we, by faith, ac-

cept? Jer. 31:34; Heb. 10:22, 23;

1 John 5:14, 15.

NOTE.—Faith assures us of the fulfill-

ment of God's promises.. Ellen G. White,

having described the healing of the para-

lytic at Bethesda, makes the following

application:

"In like manner you are a sinner. You

cannot atone for your past sins; you can-

not change your heart and make it holy.

But God promises to do all this for you

through Christ. You

believe

that promise.

You confess your sins and give yourself to

God. You

will

to serve Him. Just as surely

as you do this, God will fulfil His word

to you. If you believe the promise,—believe

that you are forgiven and cleansed,—God

supplies the fact; you are made whole, just

as Christ gave the paralytic power to walk

when the man believed that he was healed.

so if you believe it.

"Do not wait to

feel

that you are made

whole, but say, 'I believe it; it

so, not

because I feel it, but because God has

promised.'

"—Steps to Christ,

page 51.

Lesson 6, for May 11, 1968

Faith and the Promise of God's Presence

MEMORY VERSE:

"And He said, My presence shall go with thee, and

will give

thee rest." Exodus 33:14.

STUDY HELPS:

"Testimonies," Vol.

5, pp. 628, 651,

652; "Testimonies to Ministers,"

pages 387-391; "S.D.A. Bible Commentary"; Psalm 139.

STUDY AIM:

gain a deeper realization of the fact that we are always in the

presence of the infinite God.

Lesson Outline:

Introduction

I. The Infinite God Is Everywhere

Present

He is infinite in power and

knowledge. Isa. 40:25-28.

His presence fills heaven and earth.

Isa. 66:1; Acts 7:48-50.

His presence dwells with the

humble. Isa. 57:15 ; 66:2.

He is never far from any one of us.

Acts 17:26-28.

II. God Knows Every Detail of

Our Lives

His eye sees all. Heb. 4:13;

Jer. 23:24; Ps. 139:7-12.

He knows all our activities.

Ps. 139:1-3; Isa. 29:15.

He knows our words and motives.

Ps. 139:4; Matt. 12:36, 37.

III. Assurance of God's Presence

and Aid

8. His presence promised to His

children. Ex. 33:14; John 14:18;

Heb. 13:5.

He is present in all our trials.

Isa. 43:1, 2 ; 63:9.

10.

Assurance to Israel and Joshua.

Deut. 31:6-8; 4:7.

11.

The secret of Moses' faith.

IIeb. 11:27.

12.

Faith makes the promised presence

a reality. Ps. 16:8.

13.

The influence of His abiding

presence. 2 Cor. 3:18.

THE LESSON

Introduction

A satisfying fellowship with God can be

established only upon an unwavering faith

in His reality and His presence. Paul says:

"And without faith it is impossible to

please Him. The man who approaches God

must have faith in two things, first that

God exists and secondly that it is worth

a man's while to try to find God." Heb.

11:6. (From

The New Testament in Mod-

ern English,

Used by permission of The Macmillan

Company.)

"As a shield from temptation and an

inspiration to purity and truth,

no other

influence can equal the sense of God's pres-

ence.

'All things are nak-d and opened unto

the eyes of Him with whom we have to

do.' . . . This thought was Joseph's shield

amidst the corruptions of Egypt. To the

allurements of temptation his answer was

steadfast: 'How . . . can I do this great

wickedness, and sin against God?' Gen.

39:9. Such a shield, faith, if cherished, will

bring to every

soul."—Education,

page 255.

(Emphasis supplied.)

The Infinite God Is Everywhere

Present

What evidence does Isaiah

give

of the power and knowledge of God?

Isa. 40:25-28.

How extensive is the presence of

God? Isa. 66:1; Acts 7:48-50.

Although the presence of God

fills the heavens and the earth, with

whom does He condescend to dwell?

Isa. 57:15; 66:2.

NOTE.—"We should cherish gratitude of

heart all the days of our life because the

Lord has put on record these words: 'For

thus saith the high and lofty One that

inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I

dwell in the high and holy place, with him

also that is of a contrite and humble spirit,

to revive the spirit of the humble, and to

revive the heart of the contrite ones.' The

reconciliation of God to man, and man to

God, is sure when certain conditions are

met."—Fundamentals of Christian Educa-

tion,

page 370.

"From the soul that feels his need, noth-

ing is withheld. He has unrestricted access

to Him in whom all fullness dwells."—

The Desire of Ages,

page 300.

How closely has God identified

Himself with humanity? Acts 17:26-

28.

NOTE.—"Nature in her work testifies of

the intelligent presence and active agency

of a Being who moves in all His works

according to His will. It is not by an orig-

inal power inherent in nature that year

by year the earth produces its bounties

and the world keeps up its continual march

around the sun. The hand of infinite power

is perpetually at work guiding this planet.

It is God's power momentarily exercised

that keeps it in position in its rotations.

The God of heaven is constantly at work.

It is by His power that vegetation is caused

to flourish, that every leaf appears and

every flower blooms. It is not as the result

of a mechanism, that, once set in motion,

continues its work, that the pulse beats and

breath follows breath. In God we live and

move and have our being. Every breath,

every throb of the heart, is the continual

evidence of the power of an ever-present

God."—Ellen G. White Comments,

S.D.A.

Bible Commentary,

Vol. 6, p. 1062.

[ 19 ]

God Knows Every Detail

of Our Lives

Is it possible for man to with-

draw himself from the presence of

God? Heb. 4:13; Jer. 23:24; Ps. 139:

7-12.

NOTE.—"If we were to cherish an habit-

ual impression that God sees and hears

all that we do and say and keeps a faith-

ful record of our words and actions, and

that we must meet it all, we would fear

to sin. Let the young ever remember that

wherever they are, and whatever they do,

they are in the presence of God. No part

of our conduct escapes observation. We

cannot hide our ways from the Most

High."—Patriarchs and Prophets,

page 217.

How fully is God acquainted

with all our ways? Ps. 139:1-3; Isa.

29:15.

•

NOTE.—"The eye of the Lord is upon

all the work, all the plans, all the imagin-

ings of every mind; He sees beneath the

surface of things, discerning the thoughts

and intents of the heart. There is not a

deed of darkness, not a plan, not an imag-

ination of the heart, not a thought of the

mind, but that He reads it as an open

book. Every act, every word, every mo-

tive, is faithfully chronicled in the records

by the great Heart Searcher, who said,

`I know thy works.'

"—Testimonies to

Ministers,

pages 463, 464.

7. With what else besides our ac-

tions is God also fully acquainted?

What accounting must eventually be

made? Ps. 139:4; Matt. 12:36, 37.

NOTE.—"We are never alone. We have a

Companion, whether we choose Him or

not. . . . To your every word and action

you have a witness,—the holy, sin-hating

God. Nothing that is said or done or

thought can escape His infinite eye. Your

words may not be heard by human ears,

but they are heard by the Ruler of the

universe. He reads the inward anger of the

soul when the will is crossed. He hears the

expression of profanity. In the deepest

darkness and solitude He is there. No one

can deceive God; none can escape from

their accountability to Him."—Ellen G.

White Comments,

S.D.A. Bible Commen-

tary,Vol. 3,

p. 1153.

Assurance of God's Presence

and Aid

What precious promise has God

made to His people? Ex. 33:14; John

14:18; Heb. 13:5.

NOTE.—"The presence of God is guar-

anteed to the Christian. This Rock of faith

is the living presence of God. The weakest

may depend upon it. Those who think

themselves the strongest may become the

weakest unless they depend on Christ as

their efficiency, their worthiness. This is

the Rock upon which we may build suc-

cessfully. God is near in Christ's atoning

sacrifice, in His intercession, His loving,

tender ruling power over the church. Seated

by the eternal throne, He watches them

with intense interest. As long as the mem-

bers of the church shall through faith draw

sap and nourishment from Jesus Christ,

and not from man's opinions and devis-

ings, and methods; if having a conviction

of the nearness of God in Christ, they put

their entire trust in Him, they will have

a vital connection with Christ as the

branch has connection with the parent

stock."—Sons

and Daughters of God,

page

77.

How does the living God identify

Himself with our trials? Isa.

43:1,

63:9. Compare Dan. 6:18-23; 3:21-25;

Acts 27:23-25.

NOTE.—"As in the days of Shadrach,

Meshach, and Abednego, so in the cloSing

period of earth's history the Lord will

work mightily in behalf of those who

stand steadfastly for the right. He who

[ 20 1

walked with the Hebrew worthies into the

fiery furnace will be with His followers

wherever they are. His abiding presence

will comfort and

sustain."—Prophets and

Kings,

page 513,

10.

What wonderful assurance did

Moses give to Joshua and his people?

What should they exercise as a result

of This promise? Deut. 31:6-8; 4:7.

NoTE.—"To His children today the Lord

declares, 'Be strong, . . . and work: for

I am with you.' The Christian always has a

strong helper in the Lord. The way of the

Lord's helping we may not know; but

this we do know: He will never fail those

who put their trust in Him. Could Chris-

tians realize how many times the Lord

has ordered their way, that the purposes

of the enemy concerning them might not

be accomplished, they would not stumble

along complainingly. Their faith would be

stayed on God, and no trial would have

power to move

them."—Prophets and

Kings,

page 576.

11.

What was the secret of Moses'

faith? Heb. 11:27.

NOTE.—"When God commanded Moses

to do anything, he did it without stopping

to consider what the consequences might

be. He gave God credit for wisdom to

know what He meant and firmness of pur-

pose to mean what He said ; and therefore

Moses acted as seeing the Invisible."—

Fundamentals of Christian Education,

page

346.

12. What must we do individually

if the presence of God is to be a liv-

ing reality to us? Ps. 16:8.

NoTE.—If we would have an ever deep-

ening sense of the presence of God, then

we must cultivate a proper relationship by

setting the Lord always before us. This

requires constant vigilance and practice.

We must:

Exercise

unwavering faith in the

promises of His presence.

"God has given

us Jesus, and in Him is the revelation of

God. Our Redeemer says: 'If a man love

Me, he will keep My words: and My Fa-

ther will love him, and We will come unto

him, and make Our abode with him.'

[John 14:23.] . . . If we know God, and

Jesus Christ whom He has sent, unspeak-

able gladness will come to the soul. Oh,

how we need the divine presence

!"—Testi-

monies to Ministers,

pages 169, 170.

Let Christ be real to us.

This is what

is meant by setting the Lord always before

us. Our joys, our sorrows, our plans, our

labors—all must be constantly kept before

Him through communion. "We may com-

mune with God in our hearts; we may

walk in companionship with Christ. When

engaged in our daily labor, we may

breathe out our heart's desire, inaudible

to any human ear; but that word cannot

die away into silence, nor can it be lost.

Nothing can drown the soul's desire. It

rises above the din of the street, above

the noise of machinery. It is God to whom

we are speaking, and our prayer is heard."

—Gospel Workers,

page 258.

13. What effect will a sense of

God's presence have upon our life

and character? 2 Cor. 3:18.

Lesson 7, for May 18, 1968

Faith and the Promise of God's Love

MEMORY VERSE:

"And we have known and believed the love.that God hath to

us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in

him." 1 John 4:16.

1211

STUDY HELPS:

First epistle of John; 1 Corinthians 13; "The Acts of the Apostles,"

pages 546-551; "Steps to Christ," chapters, "God's Love for Man" and "Test

of Discipleship"; "S.D.A. Bible Commentary."

STUDY AIM:

To understand the need of having the love of God implanted in the

heart, and to realize that this can be accomplished only through the exercise

of faith in God's promises.

Lesson Outline:

Introduction

I. Human Love Is Not Enough

Human love is often selfish.

Luke 6:32, 33; Ezek. 33:31.

What God's chosen people lacked.

John 5:42.

The quality of love that is essential.

John 17:26.

Need for all-embracing love.

Matt. 5 :43-47.

Faith also needed. Gal. 5:6.

II. God Has Promised Us His Love

6. God's love made known. John

3:16; Rom. 5:6-8.

God shares His love with His

children. Rom. 5:5.

Love, the basis of fellowship.

1 John 4:7, 8.

III. Evidences of Divine Love in the Life

Leads to obedience. 1 John 2:5, 6;

5:3; 2 John 6.

10.

Embraces the brotherhood.

John 13:34, 35; 14:15; 1

John

4:19-21.

11.

Motivates to service. 2 Cor. 5:14.

12.

Manifests itself in compassion.

1 John 3:17, 18; Matt. 9:36.

13.

Leads to endurance. Rom. 8:

35-39.

THE LESSON

Introduction

"Yes; Christ has said it, and He means

just what He says. He will honor all our

drafts if we will grasp His promise by liv-

ing faith, and put our trust in Him.

Look to Him, and live. All who obey God

are embraced in the prayer which Christ

offered to His Father, 'I have declared unto

them Thy name, and will declare it: that

the love wherewith Thou hast loved Me

may be in them, and I in them' (John 17:

26). Wonderful truth, too difficult for hu-

manity to comprehend

!"-Selected Mes-

sages,

Bk. 1, p. 300.

Divine love is too infinite to compre-

hend, but not too difficult to experience if

we accept it on God's promises by simply

appropriating faith.

Human Love Is Not Enough

What does the Bible say of the

shallowness of what some call "love"?

Luke 6:32, 33; Ezek. 33:31.

NOTE.

-"It

is true that there may be an

outward correctness of deportment with-

out the renewing power of Christ. The

love of influence and the desire for the

esteem of others may produce a well-

ordered life. Self-respect may lead us to

avoid the appearance of evil. A selfish heart

may perform generous actions. By what

means, then, shall we determine whose side

we are on

?"-Steps to Christ.,

page 58.

What

did

Christ say

the people

His day lacked? John 5:42.

NOTE.

-In

Christ's day the professed

people of God had made no room in their

hearts for His love, therefore they were

incapable of loving God in return.

"In rejecting the love of Christ they re-

ject that which alone can impart purity

and steadfastness to human

love."-Christ's

Object Lessons,

page 225.

(22

"The acceptance of the Saviour brings

a glow of perfect peace, pe

fect love, per-

fect assurance."—Ibid., p. 420.

What type of love did Jesus

pray for His followers to possess?

John 17:26.

NOTE.—"The Lord has made abundant

provision that His love may be given to

us as His free, abundant grace, as our in-

heritance in this life, to enable us to diffuse

the same by being yoked up with Christ.

Jesus conveys the circulating vitality of a

pure and sanctified Christlike love through

every part of our human nature. When

this love is expressed in the character, it

reveals to all those with whom we associ-

ate that it is possible for God to be formed

within, the hope of

glory."—Fundamentals

of Christian Education,

page 466.

If we desire to be Christlike,

how all-embracing must our love be-

come? Matt. 5:43-47.

NOTE.—"The children of God are those

who are partakers of His nature. It is

not earthly rank, nor birth, nor nationality,

nor religious privilege, which proves that

we arc members of the family of God; it

is love, a love that embraces all humanity.

Even sinners whose hearts are not utterly

closed to God's Spirit, will respond to

kindness; while they may give hate for

hate, they will also give love for love. But

it is only the Spirit of God that gives love

for hatred. To be kind to the unthankful

and to the evil, to do good hoping for

nothing again, is the insignia of the roy-

alty of heaven, the sure token by which

the children of the Highest reveal their

high

estate."—Thoughts From the Mount

of Blessing,

page 75.

What two traits of character are

mentioned as particularly desirable in

the Christian life? Gal. 5:6.

NorE.—"Faith and love are the essential,

powerful, working elements of Christian

character. Those who possess them are one

with Christ, and are carrying forward His

mission. . . We are to sit at Christ's feet

as continual learners, and to work with His

gifts of faith and love. We shall then

wear Christ's yoke, and lift His burdens,

and Christ will recognize us

as one with

Him; in heaven •it will be said, 'Ye arc

laborers together with

God.'"—Sons and

Daughters of God,

page 71.

God Has Promised Us His Love

How did God make His mar-

velous love known to man?

John

16; Rom. 5:6-8.

NoTE.—"Not because we first loved Him

did Christ love us; but 'while we were yet

sinners' He died for us. He does not

treat us according to our desert. Al-

though our sins have merited condemna-

tion, He does not condemn us. . . . Not-

withstanding our wanderings, our hardness

of heart, our neglect of His Holy Word,

His hand is stretched out still.

"Grace is an attribute of God exercised

toward undeserving human beings. We

did not seek for it, but it was sent in

search of

us."—The Ministry of Healing,

page 161.

How did we come into posses-

sion of God's love? Rom 5:5.

NOTE.—"It is the work of the Holy

Spirit from age to age to impart love to

human hearts, for love is the living prin-

ciple of

brotherhood."—Testimonies,

Vol.

8, p. 139.

"Jesus came to impart to the human

soul the Holy Spirit, by which the love of

God is shed abroad in the heart; but

it is impossible to endow men with the

Holy Spirit, who are set in their ideas,

whose doctrines are all stereotyped and

unchangeable, who are walking after the

traditions and commandments of men, as

were the Jews in the time of Christ."—

Selected Messages,

Bk. 1, p. 386.

Since God's love can be implanted in the

heart only by the Holy Spirit, it is evi-

dent that this divine love is absent from

the life only because no room has been

made for the Holy Spirit.

(

231

"The great sin of those who profess to

be Christians is that they do not open the

heart to receive the Holy Spirit."—Ibid.,

Bk. 2, p. 57.

What intimate relationship does

love establish? 1 John 4:7, 8.

NOTE: —"True sanctification comes

through the working out of the principle of

love. 'God is love; and he that dwelleth in

love dwelleth in God, and God in him.'

"—

The Acts of the Apostles,

page 560.

"The love of Christ is a golden chain

that binds finite, human beings who be-

lieve in Jesus Christ to the Infinite God.

The love that the Lord has for His chil-

dren passeth knowledge. No science can

define or explain it. No human wisdom

can fathom it. The more we feel the in-

fluence of this love, the more meek and

humble shall we be."—Ellen G. White

Comments,

S.D.A. Bible Commentary,

Vol.

5, p. 1141.

"Pure love is simple in its operations,

and separate from every other principle

of action. When combined with earthly

motives and selfish interests, it ceases to

be pure. God considers more with how

much love we work, than the amount we

do. Love is a heavenly attribute. The nat-

ural heart cannot originate

it."—Ibid.,

Vol.

7, p. 952.

Evidences of Divine Love in the Life

When the love of God dwells in

the heart, what will we desire to do?

1 John 2:5, 6; 5:3; 2 John 6.

NOTE.—"But notice here that obedience

is not a mere outward compliance, but the

service of love. . . . If our hearts are re-

newed in the likeness of God, if the divine

love is implanted in the soul, will not the

law of God be carried out in the life?

When the principle of love is implanted

in the heart, when man is_ renewed after

the image of Him that created him, the

new-covenant promise is fulfilled, 'I will

put My laws into their hearts, and in

their minds will I write them.' . . . And

if the law is written in the heart, will it

not shape the life? Obedience—the service

and allegiance of love—is the true sign of

discipleship."

--Steps

to Christ,

page 60.

10.

What is positive evidence that

the love of God has been shed abroad

in our hearts? What is the proof of

true discipleship? John 13:34, 35; 14:

15; 1 John 4:19-21.

NOTE.—"Supreme love for God and un-

selfish love for one another,—this is the

best' gift our heavenly Father can bestow.

This love is not an impulse, but a divine

principle, a permanent power. The un-

consecrated heart cannot originate or pro-

duce it. Only in the heart where Jesus

reigns is it found. 'We love Him because

He first loved us.' In the heart renewed by

divine grace, love is the ruling principle of

action. It modifies the character, governs

the impulses, controls the passions, and

ennobles the affections."—The

Acts of the

Apostles,

page 551.

11.

What is the compelling mo-

tive in service? 2 Cor. 5:14.

NOTE.—" 'The love of Christ,' said Paul,

`constraineth us.' 2 Corinthians 5:14. This

was the actuating principle of his conduct;

it was his motive power. If ever his

ardor in the path of duty flagged for a

moment, one glance at the cross caused

him to gird up anew the loins of his mind,

and press forward in the way of self de-

nial. In his labors for his brethren he relied

much upon the manifestations of infinite

love in the sacrifice of Christ, with its

subduing, constraining power."—The

Min-

istry of Healing,

page 500.

12.

What attitude, if manifested,

shows that the love of God does not

possess us? Contrast this with the at-

titude of the Master. 1 John 3:17, 18;

Matt. 9:36.

NOTE.—"Although the customs of the

world are no criterion for us, vet I have

been shown that the pitying sympathy and

the benevolence of the world for the unfor-

[

]

tunate in many cases shame the professed

followers of Christ. Many manifest in-

difference toward those whom God has

thrown among them for the purpose of

testing and proving them, and developing

what is in their hearts. God reads. He

marks every act of selfishness, every act

of indifference toward the afflicted, the

widows and the fatherless; and He writes

against their names, 'Guilty, wanting, law-

breakers.' We shall be rewarded as our

works have

been."-Testimonies,

Vol. 3,

pp. 524, 525.

13. What assurance is given that

the love of God can sustain us under

all circumstances? Rom. 8:35-39.

NOTE.

-"When

Christ took human na-

ture upon Him, He bound humanity to

Himself by a tie of love that can never

be broken by any power save the choice

of man himself. Satan will constantly pre-

sent allurements to induce us to break this

tie-to choose to separate ourselves from

Christ. Here is where we need to watch, to

strive, to pray, that nothing may entice

us to

choose

another master; for we are

always free to do this. But let us keep our

eyes fixed upon Christ, and He will pre-

serve us. Looking unto Jesus, we are safe.

Nothing can pluck us out of His hand."-

Steps to Christ,

page 72.

Lesson 8, for May 25, 1968

Faith and

the

Promise

of Answered Prayer

MEMORY VERSE:

"And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing,

ye shall receive." Matthew 21:22.

STUDY HELPS:

"Steps

to Christ," pages 93-104; "Christ's Object Lessons," pages

139-149; "Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing," pages 102-122; "S.D.A.

Bible Commentary."

STUDY AIM:

To develop a simple, appropriating faith in the assurance that "not

one sincere prayer is lost; that "amid the anthems of the celestial choir, God

hears the cries of the weakest human being."-"Christ's Object Lessons," page

174.

Lesson Outline:

Introduction

I. Communication With God

Fellowship, a Christian privilege.

1 John 1:3.

We may become sons of God.

John 1:12; 1 John 3:1-3; Rom.

8:16.

Acquaintance with the Divine.

John 17:3; Job 22:21; Rev. 3:20.

II. Communication, a Privilege and

a Necessity

Constant communication necessary.

Luke 18:1; Eph. 6:18; 1 Thess.

5:17.

Asking and receiving.

Luke 11:9, 10.

6. Proper spirit in prayer.

Phil. 4:4-7.

III. Assurances of Divine Response

7. An amazing promise. Matt.

21:22;

Mark 11:24; John 15:7.

8. The answer is assured. 1 John

5:14, 15.

9. Prayer made effectual. Rom. 8:26.

IV. Conditions of Answered Prayer

10. Pray in His name. John 14:

12-14; 16:23-27.

11. Know the will of God.

1 John 5:14.

12. Be willing to obey. 1 John 3:

22; Ps. 66:18.

13. Unselfishly seek God's glory.

John 14:13.

14. Ask in faith. Heb.

11:6;

James 1:6, 7.

125

THE LESSON

Introduction

The very nature of a genuine Christian

experience makes prayer imperative. Chris-

tianity is not a creed, nor is it a set of

truths. It is intensely personal. "Christ is

Christianity."—Gospel

Workers,

pages 282,

283. There is no salvation apart from

Jesus Christ, and He is ever the same.

Heb. 13:8. Hence a Christian experience is

fellowship with Jesus, and this fellowship

is established by faith. Paul declares: "God

is faithful, by whom ye were called unto

the fellowship of His Son Jesus Christ

our Lord." 1 Cor. 1:9.

Fellowship can be maintained only

through unbroken communion. This is true

of earthly friendships; it is doubly true

of our friendship and fellowship with

Christ. Neglect communion, and religion

becomes a dry formality. Hence the Master

taught that "men ought always to pray,

and not to faint."

"It is now that we are to learn this les-

son of prevailing prayer, of unyielding

faith. The greatest victories to the church

of Christ or to the individual Christian

are not those that are gained by talent or

education, by wealth or the favor of

men. They are those victories that are

gained in the audience chamber with God,

when earnest, agonizing faith lays hold

upon the mighty arm of

power."—Patri-

archs and Prophets,

page 203.

Communication With God

1. What is the ultimate purpose of

the gospel? 1 John 1:3. Compare

1 Cor. 1:9.

NOTE.—"Never feel that Christ is far

away. He is always near. His loving pres-

ence surrounds you. Seek Him as one who

desires to be found of you. He desires you

not only to touch His garments, but to

walk with Him in constant communion."—

The Ministry of Healing,

page 85.

"Wherever we go, there is the recollec-

tion of One dear to us. We are abiding in

Christ by a

living faith. He is abiding in

our hearts by our

individual appropriating

of faith,

We have the companionship of the

divine presence, and as

we realize this pres-

ence,

our thoughts are brought into cap-

tivity to Jesus

Christ."—Testimonies to

Ministers,

page 388. (Emphasis supplied.)

What close relationship exists

between God and those who come to

Him in faith? John 1:12; 1 John 3:1-

3; Rom. 8:16.

For what should God's children

earnestly seek? John 17:3; Job 22:21;

Rev. 3:20.

NoTE.—A personal acquaintance with

God is not only a Scriptural possibility, it

is the essence of Christianity. Many are the

ways in which God reveals Himself—

through His Word, through "ature, through

His providences, and by His Spirit. How

wonderful is the promise: "Jesus answered

and said unto him, If a man love Me, he

will keep My words: and My Father will

love him, and We will come unto him, and

make Our abode with him." John 14:23.

The fulfillment of this promise we may not

be able to explain, but we can experience it.

Communication, a Privilege

and a Necessity

In order to maintain an un-

broken fellowship with God, what

must we do? Luke 18:1; Eph. 6:18;

1 Thess. 5:17.

NOTE.—"Through nature and revelation,

through His providence, and by the in-

fluence of His Spirit, God speaks to us.

But these are not enough; we need also

to pour out our hearts to Him. In order

to have spiritual life and energy, we must

have actual intercourse with our heavenly

Father. Our minds may be drawn out

toward Him; we may meditate upon His

works, His mercies, His blessings; but this

is not, in the fullest sense, communing with

Him. In order to commune with God, we

26 ]

must have something to say to Him con-

cerning our actual life.

"Prayer is the opening of the heart to

God as to a friend."—Steps

to Christ,

page

93.

"Unceasing prayer is the unbroken union

of the soul with God, so that life from God

flows into our life; and from our life,

purity and holiness flow back to God."—

Ibid.,

p. 98.

In order to receive God's prom-

ised gifts and blessings, what are we

invited to do? Luke 11:9, 10.

Nora.—"The same compassionate Sav-

iour lives today, and He is as willing to

listen to the prayer of faith as when He

walked visibly among men. The natural

cooperates with the supernatural. It is a

part of God's plan to grant us, in answer

to the prayer of faith, that which He

would not bestow did we not thus ask."—

The Great Controversy,

page

525.

"Prayer is heaven's ordained means of

success in the conflict with sin and the de-

velopment of Christian character. The di-

vine influences that come in answer to the

prayer of faith will accomplish in the soul

of the suppliant all for which he pleads.

For the pardon of sin, for the Holy Spirit,

for a Christlike temper, for wisdom and

strength to do His work, for any gift

He has promised, we may ask; and the

promise is, 'Ye shall receive.'

"—The Acts

of the Apostles,

page 564.

In what spirit should God's chil-

dren pray? Phil. 4:4-7.

NoTE.—"Never is one repulsed who

comes to Him with a contrite heart. Not

one sincere prayer is lost. Amid the an-

thems of the celestial choir, God hears the

cries of the weakest human being. We

pour out our heart's desire in our closets,

we breathe a prayer as we walk by the

way, and our words reach the throne of

the Monarch of the

universe."—Christ's

Object Lessons,

page 174.

Assurances of Divine Response

What challenging promises of

answered prayer has Christ made?

Matt. 21:22; Mark 11:24; John 15:7.

NOTE.—"Prayer and faith are closely

allied, and they need to be studied to-

gether. In the prayer of faith there is a

divine science; it is a science that every-

one who would make his lifework a suc-

cess must understand. Christ says, 'What

things soever ye desire, when ye pray, be-

lieve that ye receive them, and ye shall

have them.' Mark 11:24. He makes it

plain that our asking must be according

to God's will; we must ask for the things

that He has promised, and whatever we

receive must be used in doing His will.

The conditions met, the promise is un-

equivocal."—Education,

pages 257, 258.

"Why should the sons and daughters of

God be reluctant to pray, when prayer is

the key in the hand of faith to unlock

heaven's storehouse, where are treasured

the boundless resources of Omnipotence?"

—Steps to Christ,

pages 94, 95.

With what attitude should we

approach the Saviour, and what as-

surance do we have when we come

to Him? 1 John 5:14, 15.

NoTE.—"When we come to Him in faith,

every petition enters the heart of God.

When we have asked for His blessing, we

should believe that we receive it, and

thank Him that we

have

received it. Then

we are to go about our duties, assured

that the blessing will be realized when we

need it most."—The

Desire of Ages,

page

200.

What help may we claim in

making our prayers acceptable and ef-

fectual? Rom. 8:26.

NOTE.—"Christ, our Mediator, and the

Holy Spirit are constantly interceding in

man's behalf, but the Spirit pleads not for

us as does Christ who presents His blood,

[ 27 ]

shed from the foundation of the world; the

Spirit works upon our hearts, drawing out

prayers and penitence, praise and thanks-

giving. The gratitude which flows from

our lips is the result of the Spirit striking

the cords of the soul in holy memories,

awakening the music of the heart."—Ellen

G. White Comments,

S.D.A. Bible Com-

mentary,

Vol. 6, pp. 1077, 1078.

Conditions of Answered Prayer

10. What secret of answered prayer

did Jesus mention? John 14:12-14;

16:23-27.

NOTE.—"To pray in Christ's name means

much. It means that we are to accept His

character, manifest His Spirit, and work

His works."—The

Desire of Ages,

page 668.

"To pray in the name of Jesus is some-

thing more than a mere mention of that

name at the beginning and the ending of

a prayer. It is to pray in the mind and

spirit of Jesus, while we believe His prom-

ises, rely upon His grace, and work His

works."—Steps to Christ,

pages 100, 101.

When we come in the name of Jesus, we

come not as beggars, but as children.

Therefore we may "come boldly [with con-

fidence] unto the throne of grace." Heb.

4:16.

11. With what must our prayers

harmonize? 1 John 5:14.

NoTE.—The will of God can be dis-

covered through a diligent study of the

Word of God and the messages of the

spirit of prophecy. A submissive will is no

substitute for a prayerful study of the

Bible.

12. To claim God's answer to our

prayers, what must be our attitude?

1 John 3:22; Ps. 66:18.

NOTE.—"All His

[God's] gifts are prom-

ised on condition of obedience. God has

a heaven full of blessings for those who

will cooperate with Him. All who obey

Him may with confidence claim the ful-

fillment of His promises."—Christ's

Object

Lessons,

page 145.

"Those who bring their petitions to God,

claiming His promise while they do not

comply with the conditions, insult Jehovah.

They bring the name of Christ as their

authority for the fulfillment of the prom-

ise, but they do not those things that

would show faith in Christ and love for

Him.

"Many are forfeiting the condition of ac-

ceptance with the Father. We need to ex-

amine closely the deed of trust wherewith

we approach God. If we are disobedient,

we bring to the Lord a note to be cashed

when we have not fulfilled the conditions

that would make it payable to

us."—Ibid.,

p. 143.

13. How does answered prayer af-

fect men's concept of God? John 14:

13.

14. To assure God's favorable re-

sponse to our prayers, what must we

exercise? Heb. 11:6; James 1:6, 7.

NOTE.—At times God's answer may be

No instead of Yes. Accordingly our peti-

tions should ever include the submissive

spirit in "If it be Thy will."

"Faith is an essential element of pre-

vailing prayer. . . . With the persevering

faith of Jacob, with the unyielding persist-

ence of Elijah, we may present our peti-

tions to the Father, claiming all that He

has promised. The honor of His throne is

staked for the fulfillment of His word."—

Prophets and Kings,

pages 157, 158.

"Pray in faith. And be sure to bring

your lives into harmony with your peti-

tions, that you may receive the blessings

for which you pray. Let not your faith

weaken, for the blessings received are pro-

portionate to the faith exercised. . . . Pray,

believe, rejoice. Sing praises to God be-

cause He has answered your prayers. Take

Him at His word. 'He is faithful that

promised.' Heb. 10:23. Not one sincere sup-

plication is

lost."—Testimones,

Vol. 7, p.

274.

[

]

Lesson 9, for June 1, 1968

Faith and God's Promises of Care and Guidance

MEMORY VERSE:

"Casting all your care upon Him; for He careth for you."

Peter

5:7.

STUDY HELPS:

"Steps to Christ," pages 85-91; "Messages to Young People," page

156; "The Acts of the Apostles," pages 153, 154; "S.D.A. Bible Commentary."

STUDY AIM:

To develop greater confidence in God's promises of unfailing care

and guidance.

Lesson Outline:

Introduction

I. God's Concern for His Children

God loves us. John 16: 26, 27.

God assures us of His care.

1 Peter 5:7.

We need not be anxious.

Phil. 4:6.

The peace of God "passeth all

understanding." Phil. 4:7.

II. Promises of God's Care

5. All our needs supplied. Ps. 84:11;

34:8-10; Phil. 4:19.

Temporal necessities provided.

Matt. 6:25-32.

Spiritual blessings given.

Eph. 1:3 ; 2 Peter 1:3, 4.

Man must do his part.

1 Thess. 4:11; Prov. 10:4.

III. Promises of Guidance

Our need of guidance.

Jer. 10:23, 24.

10.

God guides continually.

Ps. 32:8.

11.

God guides unerringly. Isa. 30:21.

12.

We must acknowledge Him.

Prov. 3:6.

13.

God guides through His Word

and His Spirit. Ps. 119:105 ;

John 16:13.

THE LESSON

Introduction

An adequate concept of the greatness

and the love of God will banish anxiety

and worry. God can be trusted to care

for His own. God will not call to Him-

self the helpless and needy only to aban-

don them. This is not the kind of God the

Bible presents. Christianity establishes a

parent-child relationship between us and

our heavenly Father. Our heavenly Parent

has all the resources; we, His children,

must maintain an attitude of confidence

and trust.

"He knows each individual by name,

and cares for each as if there were not

another upon the earth for whom He

gave His beloved Son."—The

Ministry of

Healing,

page 229.

"When we take into our hands the

management of things with which we have

to do, and depend upon our own wisdom

for success, we are taking a burden which

God has not given us, and are trying to

bear it without His aid. We are taking

upon ourselves the responsibility that be-

longs to God, and thus are really putting

ourselves in His place. We may well have

anxiety, and anticipate danger and loss;

for it is certain to befall us. But when

we really believe that God loves us, and

means to do us good, we shall cease to

worry about the future. We shall trust

God as a child trusts a loving parent.

Then our troubles and torments will dis-

appear; for our will is swallowed up in

the will of

God."—Sons and Daughters of

God,

page 119.

129

God's Concern for His Children

What assurance did Jesus give

concerning the Father's love? John

16:26, 27.

NOTE.—"One who knows, has said, 'The

Father Himself loveth you.' One who has

had an experimental knowledge of the

length, and breadth, and height, and depth

of that love, has declared unto us this

amazing fact. . . . We are to be one with

Him as He is one with the Father, and

then we are beloved by the infinite God as

members of the body of Christ, as branches

of the living

Vine."—Fundamentals of

Christian Education,

page 178.

What does the apostle Peter ad-

monish God's people to do? Why?

1 Peter 5:7.

NOTE.—"The Elder Brother of our race

is by the eternal throne. He looks upon

every soul who is turning his face toward

Him as the Saviour. He knows by experi-

ence what are the weaknesses of humanity,

what are our wants, and where lies the

strength of our temptations; for He was

in all points tempted like as we are, yet

without sin. He is watching over you,

trembling child of God. Are you tempted?

He will deliver. Are you weak? He will

strengthen. Are you ignorant? He will en-

lighten. Are you wounded? He will heal.

The Lord `telleth the number of the stars;'

and yet 'He healeth the broken in heart,

and bindeth up their wounds.' Ps. 147:4,

'Come unto Me,' is His invitation.

Whatever your anxieties and trials, spread

out your case before the Lord. Your spirit

will be braced for endurance. The way

will be opened for you to disentangle

yourself from embarrassment and diffi-

culty. The weaker and more helpless you

know yourself to be, the stronger will you

become in His strength. The heavier your

burdens, the more blessed the rest in cast-

ing them upon the Burden Bearer. The

rest that Christ offers depends upon con-

ditions, but these conditions are plainly

specified. They are those with which all

can comply."—The

Desire of Ages,

page

329.

Since God loves and cares, what

should we not do? What should we

do? Phil. 4:6.

NOTE.—"You have not faith and love

and confidence in God. If you had, you

would trust in Him. You worry yourself

out of the arms of Christ, fearing that He

will not care for

you."—Testimonies,

Vol.

1, p. 697.

What precious experience will

follow implicit trust in God? Phil.

4:7.

Promises of God's Care

How completely do the promises

of God cover all our needs? Ps. 84:11;

34:8-10; Phil. 4:19.

What temporal necessities has

God promised to supply? Matt. 6:

25-32.

NOTE.—"The power of God is manifested

in the beating of the heart, in the action

of the lungs, and in the living currents that

circulate through the thousand different

channels of the body. We are indebted to

Him for every moment of existence, and

for all the comforts of life. . . . He loads

us with His benefits. We are indebted to

Him for the food we eat, the water we

drink, the clothes we wear, the air we

breathe. Without His special providence,

the air would be filled with pestilence and

poison. He is a bountiful benefactor and

preserver. . . .

"We may state to Him our temporal

matters, asking Him for bread and raiment

as well as for the bread of life and the

robe of Christ's righteousness. . . . The

gifts of Him who has all power in heaven

and earth are in store for the children of

God."—Sons and Daughters of God,

page

17.

How completely has our Father

provided for our spiritual necessities?

Eph. 1:3; 2 Peter 1:3, 4.

[$0

What is our part in God's plan

to provide for our temporal needs?

1 Thess. 4:11; Prov. 10:4.

NOTE.—"We are to be vigilant, watch-

ing for the coming of the Son of man; and

we must also be diligent; working as well

as waiting is required; there must be a

union of the two. This will balance the

Christian character, making it well devel-

oped, symmetrical. We should not feel that

we are to neglect everything else, and

give ourselves up to meditation, study, or

prayer; neither are we to be full of bustle

and hurry and work, to the neglect of

personal piety. Waiting and watching and

working are to be blended. 'Not slothful in

business; fervent in spirit; serving the

Lord.'

"—The Adventist Home,

page 23.

"If any man will not work, neither shall

he eat, applies to the spiritual, religious

life as well as to the earthly, temporal

things.

"Paul not only endured the taxation of

the physical powers in common labor with-

out one feeling of either belittling or de-

grading himself, and without discontent;

but he bore the burden while at the same

time exerting the activities of his mind to

advance and attain in spiritual knowledge.

He taught, and he practiced the lessons he

taught. . . .

"The apostle in his day considered idle-

ness a sin, and those who indulge this evil

today disgrace their profession. . .

"If a man in good physical health has

property, and has no need of entering into

employment for his own support, he should

labor to acquire means that he may ad-

vance the cause and work of God."—Ellen

G. White Comments,

S.D.A. Bible Com-

mentary,

Vol.

pp. 911, 912.

Promises of God's Guidance

How did Jeremiah state man's

universal need? For what did he

pray? Jer. 10:23, 24.

NOTE.—"God's Word sheds an unerring

light upon the pathway of man's life. Not-

withstanding the many influences which

arise to divert and distract the mind, those

who honestly seek God for wisdom will be

guided into the right

course."—Testinzonies,

Vol. 5, p. 247.

10.

How intimate and personal is

God's promised guidance? Ps. 32:8.

NOTE.—"Our heavenly Father is our Ru-

ler, and we must submit to His discipline.

We are members of His family. He has a

right to our service. . . . Whatever path

God chooses for us, whatever way He

ordains for our feet, . . . with childlike

submission as obedient children, we must

look to God, to follow His guidance, and

difficulties will clear away. The promise is,

`I will instruct thee and teach thee.'

"—

Sons and Daughters of God,

page 175.

11.

How specifically does God

promise to guide each of His chil-

dren? Isa. 30:21.

NorE.—"God desires to bring men into

direct relation with Himself. In all His

dealings with human beings He recognizes

the principle of personal responsibility. He

seeks to encourage a sense of personal de-

pendence and to impress the need of per-

sonal guidance. He desires to bring the

human into association with the divine,

that men may be transformed into the

divine likeness. Satan works to thwart

this purpose. He seeks to encourage de-

pendence upon men. When minds are

turned away from God, the tempter can

bring them under his rule. He can control

humanity." —

The Ministry of Healing,

pages 242, 243.

12.

In order to experience the con-

stant guidance of God, what attitude

must we maintain? Prov. 3:6.

NOTE.—"Christ in His life on earth

made no plans for Himself. He accepted

God's plans for Him, and day by day the

Father unfolded His plans. So should we

depend upon God, that our lives may be

the simple outworking of His will. As we

commit our ways to Him, He will direct

our steps.

[ 31 ]

"Too many, in planning for a brilliant

future, make an utter failure. Let God

plan for you. As a little child, trust to the

guidance of Him who will 'keep the feet

of His saints.' 1 Sam. 2:9. God never

leads His children otherwise than they

would choose to be led, if they could see

the end from the beginning and discern

the glory of the purpose which they are

fulfilling as coworkers with

Him."-The

Ministry of Healing,

page 479.

13. What specific agencies does

God employ in guiding His children?

Ps. 119:105; John 16:13.

Nom.-"There are three ways in which

the Lord reveals His will to us, to guide

"God reveals His will to us in His Word,

the Holy Scriptures.

"His voice is also revealed in His provi-

dential workings; and it will be recognized

if we do not separate our souls from

Him by walking in our own ways, doing

according to our own wills, and following

the promptings of an unsanctified .heart....

"Another way in which God's voice is

heard, is through the appeals of His Holy

Spirit, making impressions upon the heart,

which will be wrought out in the char-

acter."-Messages to Young People,

page

156.

Lesson 10, for June 8, 1968

Faith and the Promise of the Holy Spirit

MEMORY VERSE:

"Nevertheless I tell you the

truth; It

is expedient for you that

I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but

if I depart, I will send Him unto you." John

16:7.

STUDY HELPS:

"The Desire of Ages," pages 668-672; "Testimonies," Vol. 8, pp.

19-23; "The Acts of the Apostles," pages 47-56; "S.D.A. Bible Commentary";

"The Coming of the Comforter," L.

Froom.

STUDY AIM:

To find a full personal acceptance of the promised Spirit as indis-

pensable to salvation and to the finishing of God's work.

Lesson Outline:

Introduction

I. The Holy Spirit in the Plan of

Redemption

The coming of the Holy Spirit.

John 16:7.

The Spirit makes Christ's sacrifice

and work effectual. John 15:26;

16:12-14.

Specific functions of the Holy

Spirit. John 16:8-11.

II. The Holy

Spirit

Has Come as

Promised

Inauguration at Pentecost:

promise, Acts 1:4, 5; fulfillment,

Acts 2:1-7, 33.

The gift assured to all believers.

Acts 2:36-39.

Evidences of the Spirit's control

in the church. Acts 5:3, 9;

13:2, 4; 16:6.

III. The Holy Spirit and Victorious

Living

An evidence of sonship.

Rom. 8:9, 14-16.

Power for godly living. Gal. 5:16,

22, 23; Rom. 8:1, 2, 10-13.

All believers are to receive the

Spirit. Eph. 5:18; Acts 2:38.

10.

The gift accepted by faith.

Gal. 3:14.

IV. The Holy Spirit and the Finishing

of God's Work

11.

The task assigned to the church.

Matt. 28:18-20.

12.

The promised Spirit gives power.

Acts 1:8; Zech. 4:6.

13.

Preparation for the outpouring of

the Spirit. Joel 2:12, 13, 28.

14.

The Spirit given to those who

ask. Luke 11:13; Zech. 10:1.

[ 82 ]

THE LESSON

Introduction

"From the beginning, God has been

working by His Holy Spirit through hu-

man instrumentalities for the accomplish-

ment of His purpose in behalf of the fallen

race. This was manifest in the lives of the

patriarchs. To the church in the wilderness

also, in the time of Moses, God gave His

`good Spirit to instruct them.' Nehemiah

9:20. And in the days of the apostles He

wrought mightily for His church through

the agency of the Holy Spirit. The same

power that sustained the patriarchs, that

gave Caleb and Joshua faith and courage,

and that made the work of the apostolic

church effective, has upheld God's faithful

children in every succeeding age."—The

Acts of the Apostles,

page 53.

"The promise of the Holy Spirit is not

limited to any age or to any race. Christ

declared that the divine influence of His

Spirit was to be with His followers unto

the end. From the Day of Pentecost to

the present time, the Comforter has been

sent to all who have yielded themselves

fully to the Lord and to His service. To

all who have accepted Christ as a personal

Saviour, the Holy Spirit has come as a

counselor, sanctifier, guide, and witness."

—Ibid.,

p. 49.

"Christ has promised the gift of the

Holy Spirit to His church, and the promise

belongs to us as much as to the first dis-

ciples. But like every other promise, it is

given on conditions. . . . Only to those

who wait humbly upon God, who watch

for His guidance and grace, is the Spirit

given. The power of God awaits their de-

mand and reception. This promised bless-

ing, claimed by faith, brings all other

blessings in its train."—The

Desire of Ages,

page 672.

"The great sin of those who profess to

be Christians is that they do not open

the heart to receive the Holy Spirit."—

Selected Messages,

Bk. 2, p. 57.

The Holy Spirit in the

Plan of Redemption

1. Why would it be "expedient" for

Christ to go away? John 16:7.

NOTE.—"The Holy Spirit is Christ's rep-

resentative, but divested of the person-

ality of humanity, and independent there-

of. Cumbered with humanity, Christ could

not be in every place personally. There-

fore it was for their interest that He should

go to the Father, and send the Spirit to

be His successor on earth. No one could

then have any advantage because of his

location or his personal contact with

Christ. By the Spirit the Saviour would

be accessible to all. In this sense He would

be nearer to them than if He had not

ascended on high."—The

Desire of Ages,

page 669.

Whose work would the Holy

Spirit make effectual? John 15:26; 16:

12-14.

NoTE.—"The Holy Spirit was the high-

est of all gifts that He could solicit from

His Father for the exaltation of His peo-

ple. The Spirit was to be given as a re-

generating agent, and

without this the sac-

rifice of Christ would have been of no avail.

. . .

Sin could be resisted and overcome only

through the mighty agency of the Third

Person of the Godhead, who would come

with no modified energy, but in the ful-

ness of divine power. It is the Spirit that

makes effectual what has been wrought

out by the world's Redeemer."—The

De-

sire of Ages,

page 671. (Emphasis sup-

plied.)

What specific work would the

Holy Spirit accomplish in the world?

John 16:8-11.

NOTE.—"The preaching of the Word will

be of no avail without the continual pres-

ence and aid of the Holy Spirit. This is the

only effectual teacher of divine truth.

Only when the truth is accompanied to

the heart by the Spirit will it quicken the

conscience or transform the life. One might

be able to present the letter of the Word

of God, he might be familiar with all its

commands and promises; but unless the

Holy Spirit sets home the truth, no souls

will fall on the Rock and be broken. No

amount of education, no advantages, how-

ever great, can make one a channel of light

without the cooperation of the Spirit of

God."—The

Desire of Ages,

pages 671,

672.

The Holy Spirit Has Come

as Promised

What promise did Christ make?

When and how was the promise ful-

filled? Acts 1:4, 5; 2:1-7, 33.

To whom is the promise of the

Holy Spirit assured? Acts 2:36-39.

NOTE.—"To us today, as verily as to the

first disciples, the promise of the Spirit be-

longs. God will today endow men and

women with power from above, as He en-

dowed those who on the Day of Pentecost

heard the word of salvation. At this very

hour His Spirit and His grace are for all

who need them and will take Him at His

word."—Testimonies,

Vol. 8, p. 20.

What evidence does the Bible

record of the Spirit's control in the

early church? Acts 5:3, 9; 13:2, 4;

16:6.

The Holy Spirit and

Victorious Living

Of what is the indwelling of the

Holy Spirit an evidence? Rom. 8:9,

14-16.

Through what agency alone is

godly living possible? What will be

the evidence? Gal. 5:16, 22, 23; Rom.

8:1, 2, 10-13.

NOTE.-"It

is by the Spirit that the heart

is made pure. Through the Spirit the be-

liever becomes a partaker of the divine

nature. Christ has. given His Spirit as a

divine power to overcome all hereditary

and cultivated tendencies to evil, and to

impress His own character upon His

church."—The

Desire of Ages,

page 671.

"Those who consecrate body, soul, and

spirit to God, will constantly receive a

new endowment of physical, mental, and

spiritual power. The inexhaustible supplies

of heaven are at their command. Christ

gives them the breath of His own Spirit,

the life of His own life. The Holy Spirit

puts forth His highest energies to work in

heart and mind. The grace of God en-

larges and multiplies their faculties, and

every perfection of the divine nature comes

to their assistance in the work of saving

souls. Through cooperation with Christ,

they are made complete in Him, and in

their human weakness they are enabled to

do the deeds of Omnipotence."—Gospel

Workers,

pages 112, 113.

What positive command is given

to the believers? What preparatory

work must take place? Eph. 5:18;

Acts 2:38.

NorE.—"To Jesus, who emptied Himself

for the salvation of lost humanity, the

Holy Spirit was given without measure. So

it will be given to every follower of Christ

when• the whole heart is surrendered for

His indwelling. Our Lord Himself has given

the command, 'Be filled with the Spirit,'

and this command is also a promise of its

fulfillment."—Sons

and Daughters of God,

page 31.

10.

How are we to receive this

precious gift? Gal. 3:14.

NOTE.—Like every other promised gift,

the Holy Spirit must be appropriated by

faith. There is no other way. Here is where

we are prone to fail. Hence, the power of

God continues to await our demand and

reception. "This promised blessing, claimed

by faith, brings all other blessings in its

train."—The

Desire of Ages,

page 672.

"In the great and measureless gift of the

Holy Spirit are contained all of heaven's

resources. It is not because of any restric-

tion on the part of God that the riches of

[ 34 ]

His grace do not flow earthward to men.

If all were willing to receive, all would

become filled with His Spirit."—Christ's

Object Lessons,

page 419.

The Holy Spirit and the

Finishing of God's Work

11.

What command did Christ give

to His followers before returning to

heaven? Matt. 28:18-20.

NOTE.—"Christ made full provision for

the prosecution of the work entrusted to

the disciples,

and took upon Himself the

responsibility of its success.

So long as they

obeyed His word, and worked in connec-

tion with Him, they could not fail. Go to

all nations, He bade them. Go to the far-

thest part of the habitable globe, but know.

that My presence will be there. . . .

"To us also the promise of Christ's abid-

ing presence is given. . . . He is with us

today as truly as He was with the dis-

ciples, and He will be with us 'even

unto the

end.' "—Testimonies,

Vol. 8, pp.

16, 17. (Emphasis supplied.)

"Where there is no active labor for

others, love wanes, and faith grows dim."

—The Desire of Ages,

page 825.

12.

What provision did Christ

make for completing the great gospel

commission? Acts 1:8; Zech. 4:6.

Nom—Human resources, no matter how

plentiful, can never meet the demands of

the great commission. This is by Christ's

design and purpose. He has assumed the

responsibility for the successful prosecution

of His work. He has promised all the re-

sources needed through the gift of His

Spirit. To neglect this provision is to in-

vite failure.

"The lapse of time has wrought no

change in Christ's parting promise to send

the Holy Spirit as His representative. . . .

If the fulfillment of the promise is not

seen as it might be, it is because the prom-

ise is not appreciated as it should be. If

all were willing, all would be filled with

the Spirit. Wherever the need of the Holy

Spirit is a matter little thought of, there

is seen spiritual drought, spiritual dark-

ness, spiritual declension and death. When-

ever minor matters occupy the attention,

the divine power which is necessary for the

growth and prosperity of the church, and

which would bring all other blessings in

its train, is lacking, though offered in in-

finite plenitude."—The

Acts of the Apostles,

page 50.

13.

What is to prepare the way for

the outpouring of the Holy Spirit in

the latter rain for the finishing of

God's work? Joel 2:12, 13, 28. Com-

pare Acts 1:14; 2:1.

NOTE.—"A revival of true godliness

among us is the greatest and most urgent

of all our needs. To seek this should be our

first

work."—Selected Messages,

Bk. 1, p.

121.

"If Satan had his way, there would

never be another awakening, great or

small, to the end of time. But we are not

ignorant of his devices. It is possible to

resist his power. When the way is pre-

pared for the Spirit of God, the blessing

will

come."—Ibid.,

p. 124. (See also last

note under question 10.)

14.

For what should the people of

God pray at this time? Luke 11:13;

Zech. 10:1.

NOTE.—"Since this is the means by which

we are to receive power, why do we not

hunger and thirst for the gift of the Spirit?.

Why do we not talk of it, pray for it, and

preach concerning it? The Lord is more

willing to give the Holy Spirit to those

who serve Him than parents are to give

good gifts to their children. For the daily

baptism of the Spirit every worker should

offer his petition to God. Companies of

Christian workers should gather to ask

for special help, for heavenly wisdom, that

they may know how to plan and execute

wisely."—The

Acts of the Apostles,

page 50.

Lesson 11, for June 15, 1968

Faith and Assurance

MEMORY VERSE:

"And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect

of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever." Isaiah 32:17.

STUDY HELPS:

"Steps to Christ," chapters, "Consecration," "Faith and Acceptance,"

and "Growing Up Into Christ"; "S.D.A. Bible Commentary"; "S.D.A. Bible

Dictionary."

STUDY AIM:

To know the necessity and possibility of making our "calling and

election sure."

Lesson Outline:

Introduction

I. Assurance Taught in the Bible

Counseled to seek assurance.

2 Peter 1:10, 11.

Experience of the Thessalonians.

1 Thess. 1:5.

What Paul knew. 2 Tim. 1:12 ;

Rom. 8:38, 39.

What the apostle John knew as-

suredly. 1 John 3:2, 14.

II. Steps to Full Assurance

5. Come through faith. Heb. 10:22 ;

Rom. 4:19-21.

Willingness to do God's will.

John 7:17.

Correct understanding of justi-

fication. Rom. 5:1.

Consistency in Christian living.

1 John

2 :6 ; Col. 2:6.

III. Areas of Absolute Assurance

Our sonship. John 1:12 ;

Rom. 8:16, 17; 1 John 3:1, 2.

10.

Forgiveness of sin. 1 John 1:9;

Isa. 43:25 ; Ps. 103:12.

11.

Grace for the present.

Phil. 1:6;

John 5:4; 2 Cor. 2:14.

12.

Heaven at last. 1 John 5:11-13;

1 Peter 1:3-5.

THE LESSON

Introduction

No one need doubt his relationship to

Christ and his position as a child of God.

We can be sure. The Bible holds out, for

all who covet it, an experience of fullest

assurance. "Therefore it is of faith, that

it might be by grace; to the end the

prom-

ise might be sure

to all the seed." Rom.

4:16. Had salvation been based on man's

good works, he never could know full as-

surance, for he would never know when

his works were equal to God's require-

ments. Assurance comes from accepting the

promises, complying with the conditions,

and believing that God will fulfill what He

has promised. "It

so if you believe it."

-Steps to Christ,

page 51.

Assurance Taught in the Bible

1. What urgent counsel does the

apostle Peter give believers? 2 Peter

1:10, 11.

NOTE.

-"The

calling and election are an

act of God (1 Peter 1:2 ; 2:21) ; yet it is

possible for one to 'frustrate the grace of

God' (Gal. 2:21). Accordingly, the believer

needs to 'work out' his 'own salvation with

fear and trembling' (Phil. 2:12). He will

then be making a certainty of what God

has already desired and made possible."-

S.D.A.

Bible Commentary,

on 2 Peter 1:10.

86]

When the Thessalonians re-

ceived the gospel, what effect did it

have upon them? 1 Thess. 1:5.

NoTE.—The Thessalonians witnessed in

the lives of Paul and his companions a

full demonstration of the gospel as the

"power of God unto salvation." This dem-

onstration brought to the believers "much

assurance" and led them into a full partici-

pation of the gospel and its power. Hence

they became "ensamples" to all the believ-

ers in Macedonia and Achaia.

How did the apostle Paul testify

to the full assurance in his heart?

2 Tim. 1:12; Rom. 8:38, 39.

NOTE.—Paul did not merely hope, de-

sire, or guess. He

knew.

He was

persuaded.

He took no chances where eternal interests

were involved. He did not "neglect so great

salvation." What Christ promised, Paul

claimed; what Christ required, Paul com-

plied with. To be among those who were

"heirs of God, and joint heirs with Christ"

was to him an intriguing reality.

In pursuit of this high calling Paul

counted "all things but loss" that he might

"know Him and the power of His resur-

rection, and the fellowship of His suffer-

ings." He staked out his claim in a better

land, and nothing could move him from

this settled purpose. His assurance was not

based on feeling; it rested solidly on the

promises of God—promises made a reality

by his invincible faith.

Of what was the apostle John

absolutely certain? What was the evi-

dence? 1 John 3:2, 14.

Steps to Full Assurance

What will the exercise of faith

in God's promises and provisions gen-

erate? Heb. 10:22; Rom. 4:19-21.

NoTE.—Assurance is generated by faith,

deepened by hope (Heb. 6:11; Rom. 5:5),

and confirmed by love (1 John 3:14).

"Every promise in the Word of God

furnishes us with subject matter for prayer,

presenting the pledged word of Jehovah as

our assurance. Whatever spiritual blessing

we need, it is our privilege to claim through

Jesus. We may tell the Lord, with the sim-

plicity of a child, exactly what we need."—

Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing,

page

133.

In order to be fully persuaded

as to what is truth, what must be our

attitude? John 7:17.

NOTE.—"Those who humbly and prayer-

fully search the Scriptures, to know and to

do God's will, will not be in doubt of their

obligations to God. For 'if any man will

do His will, he shall know of the doctrine.'

If you would know the mystery of godli-

ness, you must follow the plain word of

truth,—feeling or no feeling, emotion or

no emotion. Obedience must be rendered

from a sense of principle, and the right

must be pursued under all circumstances.

This is the character that is elected of God

unto

salvation."—Fundamentals of Chris-

tian Education,

page 125.

"Disguise it as they may, the real cause

of doubt and skepticism, in most cases, is

the love of sin. The teachings and restric-

tions of God's Word are not welcome to

the proud, sin-loving heart, and those who

are unwilling to obey its requirements are

ready to doubt its authority."—Steps

Christ,

page 111.

In order to enjoy full and abid-

ing assurance, what wonderful pro-

vision of the gospel must we see

clearly? Rom. 5:1.

NoTE.—A faulty understanding of the

doctrine of justification often results in un-

certainty about one's Christian experience.

If we would cherish deep and abiding as-

surance in our hearts, then we must see

clearly that Christ's work, and His alone,

is the ground of our acceptance with God.

Here, human effort can contribute nothing,

t 37 3

either directly or indirectly. For justifica-

tion, through which we become the children

of God, our essential part is the exercise

of faith. Justification is a perfect, finished

work, and admits of no degrees. The Bible

uses four expressions in speaking of justi-

fication:

"Being justified freely by His grace."

Rom. 3:24. This is the

source

of our justi-

fication. If God were not graciously dis-

posed toward sinners there could be no

reconciliation.

"Much more then, being now justi-

fied by His blood." Rom. 5:9. The blood is

the

means

by which we are justified. The

blood was the purchase price of our re-

demption.

"Therefore being justified by faith."

Rom. 5:1. Faith is the method of

receiving

justification, which has been graciously pro-

vided through the blood of the Son of God.

"Ye see then how that by works a

man is justified." James 2:24. Our works,

our manner of living, constitute the

evi-

dence

of our justification which has been

freely and solely wrought by God.

Justification depends, not upon us, but

upon the infinite God, who has promised

and knows how to perform. "For ye are

all the children of God by faith in Christ

Jesus." Gal. 3:26. This brings deep and

abiding assurance.

8. To enjoy continuing assurance,

what must the justified believer hence-

forth do? 1 John 2:6; Col. 2:6.

NoTE.—Nothing will destroy peace of

conscience and assurance more effectively

than an inconsistent life. A child of God

must make a clean break with everything

he knows to be out of harmony with God's

will. Failure to do this is to court a

troubled heart and risk ultimate loss.

"Now that you have given yourself to

Jesus, do not draw back, do not take your-

self away from Him, but day by day say,

`I am Christ's; I have given myself to

Him ;' and ask Him to give you His Spirit

and keep you by His grace. As it is by

giving yourself to God, and believing Him,

that you become His child, so you are to

live in

Him."—Steps to Christ,

page 52.

Areas of Absolute Assurance

If we have opened our hearts

fully to Jesus, of what may we be

sure? John 1:12; Rom. 8:16, 17;

1 John 3:1, 2.

NOTE.—"Divine sonship is not something

that we gain of ourselves. Only to those

who receive Christ as their Saviour is

given the power to become sons and

daughters of God. The sinner cannot, by

any power of his own, rid himself of sin....

Christ alone has power to cleanse the heart.

. . . But the promise of sonship is made to

all

who 'believe on His name.'

"—Sons and

Daughters of God,

page 12.

"How can we ever be in doubt and un-

certainty, and feel that we are orphans?

It was in behalf of those who had trans-

gressed the law that Jesus took upon Him

human nature; He became like unto us,

that we might have everlasting peace and

assurance. We have an Advocate in the

heavens, and whoever accepts Him as a per-

sonal Saviour is not left an orphan to bear

the burden of his own

sins."—Thoughts

From the Mount of Blessing,

page 104.

10.

If we have truly confessed our

sins, of what may we be certain?

1 John 1:9; Isa. 43:25; Ps. 103:12.

NOTE.—From the Bible account of Jesus'

healing the sick we may learn how to be-

lieve in Him for the forgiveness of sins.

The paralytic of Bethesda was helpless; he

had not used his limbs for thirty-eight

years. Jesus bade him, "Rise, take up thy

bed, and walk." The sick man might have

said, "Lord, if Thou wilt make me whole,

I will obey Thy word." But no, he

believed Christ's word—believed that he

was made whole—and he made the effort

at once; he

willed

to walk, and he did

walk. He acted on Christ's word, and God

gave the power.

11.

If we remain fully surrendered

to Christ, of what glorious provision

may we be assured? Phil 1:6; 1 John

5:4; 2 Cor. 2:14.

38 ]

NOTE.—"Let no one despair of gaining the

victory. Victory is sure when self is sur-

rendered to God."—Ellen G. White Com-

ments,

S.D.A. Bible Commentary,

Vol. 1,

p. 1095.

"The great Captain of our salvation has

conquered in our behalf, that through Him

we might conquer, if we would, in our own

behalf. But Christ saves none against their

choice; He compels none to obedience. He

made the infinite sacrifice that they might

overcome in His name and His righteous-

ness be imputed unto

them."—Testimonies,

Vol. 3, p. 457.

12. If we accept the provisions

God has made for our salvation, of

what may we cherish full assurance?

1 John 5:11-13; 1 Peter 1:3-5.

NOTE.—"Teach the great practical truths

that must be stamped upon the soul. Teach

the saving power of Jesus, 'in whom we

have redemption through His blood, even

the forgiveness of sins.' Col. 1:14. It was

at the cross that mercy and

truth

met

together, that righteousness and truth

kissed each other. . . . Show that the life

of Christ reveals an infinitely perfect char-

acter. Teach that 'as many as received

Him, to them gave He power to become

the sons of God, even to them that be-

lieve on His name.' John 1:12. Tell it

over and over again. We may become the

sons of God, members of the royal family,

children of the heavenly King. Let it be

known that all who accept Jesus Christ

and hold the beginning of their confidence

firm to the end will be heirs of God and

joint heirs with Christ 'to an inheritance

incorruptible, and undefiled, and that

fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for

you, who are kept by the power of God

through faith unto salvation ready to be

revealed in the last time.' 1 Peter 1:4, 5."

—Testimonies,

Vol. 6, pp. 59, 60.

Lesson 12, for June 22, 1968

Faith and the Promise of Victory

MEMORY VERSE:

"For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this

is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith." 1 John 5:4.

STUDY HELPS:

"Early Writings," pages 145-147; "The Great Controversy," pages

492-504; "Patriarchs and Prophets," pages 33-43; "Testimonies to Ministers,"

pages 516-520.

STUDY AIM:

To discover the provisions God has made for complete victory over

sin.

Lesson Outline:

Introduction

I. The Great Controversy

The conflict began in heaven.

Rev. 12:7-9.

Satan deluded the entire human

family. Gen. 3:1-8, 23, 24 ;

Rom. 5:12.

Plan of redemption provided

through Christ. John 3:16; Eph.

1:7.

4. The conflict continues.

1 Peter 5:8.

II. Temptation and Trial, the Common

Lot of All

5. All will be tried. 1 Peter 4:12.

6. Temptation and sin. James 1:14,

15; Rom. 6:13, 16.

7. Results of resisting temptation.

1 Peter 1:6, 7; James 1:2-4, 12.

III. Victory Assured

8. Divine aid promised. 1 Cor. 10:13.

f 89

Continuous triumph possible.

2 Cor. 2:14; John 10:28, 29.

10.

God's gift through Christ.

1 Cor. 15:57.

11.

Victory through faith. 1 John 5:

4, 5.

12.

We must offer resistance.

1 Peter 5:9; Eph. 6:10-18;

1 Tim. 6:12.

13.

Avoid needless exposure to temp-

tation. Ps. 1:1.

14.

"More than conquerors."

Rom. 8:37-39.

THE LESSON

glory and showing forth His praise. And

while love to God was supreme, love for

one another was confiding and unselfish.

There was no note of discord to mar the

celestial harmonies. But a change came

over this happy estate. There was one who

perverted the freedom that God had

granted to His creatures. Sin originated

with him who, next to Christ, had been

most honored of God and was highest in

power and glory among the inhabitants of

heaven."—Patriarchs and Prophets,

page

35.

Introduction

Every human being is involved in the

great controversy between Christ and Sa-

tan. We are on one side or the other.

There is no no-man's-land in this conflict.

Neither is it possible to give allegiance to

both sides. Jesus declared unequivocally,

"He that is not with Me is against Me."

Thus, any who surrender to the claims of

Christ become involved in the bitter con-

flict between right and wrong, good and

evil, Christ and Satan. This is no sham

battle; it is real warfare, because our

"adversary the devil, as a roaring lion,

walketh about, seeking, whom he may

devour." 1 Peter 5:8.

But just as conflict with evil is a cer-

tainty, so also is the promise of victory

through the name of our blessed Christ.

His strong arm "hath gotten Him the vic-

tory." The cross settled the issue. The echo.

of His precious promise is heard down

through the corridors of time: "These

things I have spoken unto you, that in Me

ye might have peace. In the world ye shall

have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I

have overcome the world." John 16:33. In

His victory we shall discover ours: "Nay,

in all these things we are more than con-

querors through Him that loved us." Rom.

8:37.

The Great Controversy

1. Where and with whom did the

great controversy between good and

evil originate? Rev. 12:7-9.

NOTE.—"So long as all created beings

acknowledged the allegiance of love, there

was perfect harmony throughout the uni-

verse of God. It was the joy of the heav-

enly host to fulfill the purpose of their

Creator. They delighted in reflecting His

What were the devastating re-

sults of Satan's being cast down to

this earth? Gen. 3:1-8, 23, 24; Rom.

5:12.

What great plan for man's re-

demption was immediately available?

John 3:16; Eph. 1:7.

NOTE.—"The Son of God, heaven's glor.

ious Commander, was touched with pity

for the fallen race. His heart was moved

with infinite compassion as the woes of

the lost world rose up before Him. But di-

vine love had conceived a plan whereby

man might be redeemed. The broken law of

God demanded the life of the sinner. In

all the universe there was but one who

could, in behalf of man, satisfy its claims.

Since the divine law is as sacred as God

Himself, only one equal with God could

make atonement for its transgression. None

but Christ could redeem fallen man from

the curse of the law and bring him again

into harmony with Heaven. Christ would

take upon Himself the guilt and shame of

sin—sin so offensive to a holy God that

it must separate the Father and His Son.

Christ would reach to the depths of misery

[40

]

to rescue the ruined

race."—Patriarchs and

Prophets,

page 63.

What is Satan's attitude toward

those who have surrendered to Christ?

What is the cause of this conflict?

1 Peter 5:8. Compare Eph. 6:11, 12.

NoTE.—It was when Adam and Eve fell

that God promised to put enmity between

the followers of Christ and Satan. "There

exists naturally no enmity between sinful

man and the originator of

sin."—The Great

Controversy,

page 505.

"It is the grace that Christ implants in

the soul which creates in man enmity

against Satan. Without this converting

grace and renewing power, man would con-

tinue the captive of Satan, a servant ever

ready to do his bidding."—Ibid., p. 506.

Temptation and Trial,

the Common Lot of All

When confronted with tempta-

tions and trials, what are we not to

conclude? 1 Peter 4:12.

NOTE.—Temptation and trial are the

common lot of all. So long as Satan is at

work, just so long will inducements be

presented to us to surrender our loyalty

and devotion to God. While Satan tempts

all mankind to evil, his special attacks are

made on those who are determined to live

for God. Accordingly, we should not re-

gard it a strange experience when we are

confronted with temptations.

"Children should be so trained and edu-

cated that they will expect temptations and

calculate to meet difficulties and dangers."

—Testimonies,

Vol. 3, p. 144.

When does temptation become

sin? James 1:14, 15; Rom. 6:13, 16.

NOTE.—"So long as the soul rests with

unshaken confidence in the virtue and

power of the atonement, it will stand firm

as a rock to principle, and all the powers

of Satan and his angels cannot sway it

from its integrity. The truth as it is in

Jesus is a wall of fire around the soul that

clings to Him. Temptations will pour in

upon us, for by them we are to be tried

during our probation upon earth. This is

the proving of God, a revelation of our

own hearts.

There is no sin in having

temptations; but sin comes in when temp-

tation is yielded to."—Testimonies,

Vol. 4,

pp. 357, 358. (Emphasis supplied.)

What is the result of successfully

enduring trials? 1 Peter 1:6, 7; James

1:2-4, 12.

NorE.—The Greek word

peirasnsos

means

both "trial" and "temptation." In James

1:2 and 1 Peter 1:6 the context indicates

that trials, rather than temptations, are

intended. The word is so translated in some

modern versions.

Victory Assured

What assurance is given to all

in the hour of temptation? 1 Cor.

10:13.

NOTE.—"It is not God's purpose to

coerce the will. Man was created a free

moral agent. Like the inhabitants of all

other worlds, he must be subjected to the

test of obedience; but he is never brought

into such a position that yielding to evil

becomes a matter of necessity. No tempta-

tion or trial is permitted to come to him

which he is unable to resist. God made

such ample provision that man need never

have been defeated in the conflict with

Satan."—Patriarchs and Prophets,

pages

331, 332.

"No man can be forced to transgress.

His own consent must be first gained; the

soul must purpose the sinful act before pas-

sion can dominate over reason or iniquity

triumph over conscience. Temptation, how-

ever strong, is never an excuse for sin.

`The eyes of the Lord are over the righ-

teous, and His ears are open unto their

prayers.' Cry unto the Lord, tempted soul.

Cast yourself, helpless, unworthy, upon

Jesus, and claim His very promise. The

Lord will hear. He knows how strong are

the inclinations of the natural heart, and

He will help in every time of temptation."

—Testimonies,

Vol. 5, p. 177.

[ 41 ]

For what assurance should we

constantly thank God? 2 Cor. 2:14;

John 10:28, 29.

10.

Through whom alone may we

hope to be victorious? 1 Cor. 15:57.

NOTE.—`The followers of Christ are to

become like Him—by the grace of God

to form characters in harmony with the

principles of His holy law. This is Bible

sanctification.

"This work can be accomplished only

through faith in Christ, by the power of

the indwelling Spirit of God. Paul ad-

monishes believers: 'Work out your own

salvation with fear and trembling. For it

is God which worketh in you both to will

and to do of His good pleasure.' Phil. 2:

12, 13. The Christian will feel the prompt-

ings of sin, but he will maintain a constant

warfare against it."—The

Great Contro-

versy,

pages 469, 470.

11.

By what means do we lay hold

of the victory God has promised?

I John 5:4, 5.

NOTE.—"How can 'our faith' enable us

to overcome the world? John provides the

answer in v. 5, where he implies that the

faith to which he is referring is that which

accepts Jesus as the Son of God. Such a

faith appropriates the Saviour's victory

over the world and duplicates it in the life

of the believer. It does not stop at mental

assent but leads to postive action. Like

the paralytic who was commanded to rise,

we attempt what seems impossible (John

5:5-9). As our will chooses to rise from

the thralldom of sin, the life-giving power

of God comes into every moral fiber and

enables us to accomplish what we by faith

have willed. Were we to lie back and wait

for the Lord to lift us up from sin, nothing

would happen. Our faith must lay hold of

His promises, and must desire, choose, and

will to act upon them before that strength

can aid us."—S.D.A.

Bible Commentary,

on 1 John 5:4.

12.

Armed with a firm faith in the

promises of God, how are we to re-

late ourselves to the attacks of Satan?

1 Peter 5:9; Eph. 6:10-18; 1 Tim.

6:12.

NOTE.

—"

The example of Christ shows

us that our only hope of victory is in con-

tinual resistance of Satan's attacks. He who

triumphed over the adversary of souls in

the conflict of temptations understands Sa-

tan's power over the race, and has con-

quered him in our behalf. As an overcomer,

He has given us the advantage of His

victory, that in our efforts to resist the

temptations of Satan we may unite our

weakness to His strength, our worthless-

ness to His merits. And sustained by His

enduring might under the strength of temp-

tation, we may resist in His all-powerful

name, and overcome as He overcame.".

Messages to Young People,

page 50.

"Every Christian must stand on guard

continually, watching every avenue of the

soul where Satan might find access. He

must pray for divine help and at the same

time resolutely resist every inclination to

sin. By courage, by faith, by persevering

toil, he can conquer. But let him remember

that to gain the victory Christ must abide

in him and he in

Christ."—Testimonies,

Vol. 5, p. 47.

13.

If we would be kept from evil,

what must we refuse to do? Ps. 1:1.

NOTE.—"Those who would not fall a

prey to Satan's devices, must guard well

the avenues of the soul;

they must avoid

reading, seeing, or hearing that which will

suggest impure thoughts.

The mind must

not be left to dwell at random upon every

subject that the enemy of souls may sug-

gest. The heart must be faithfully senti-

neled, or evils without will awaken evils

within, and the soul will wander in dark-

ness."—The

Acts of the Apostles,

page 518.

(Emphasis supplied.)

14.

Recalling God's gracious pro-

visions for His children, what as-

surance does the apostle Paul express?

Rom. 8:37-39.

[42

Lesson 13, for June 29, 1968

Faith and the Promise of Christ's Return

MEMORY VERSE:

"So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto

them that look for Him shall He appear the second time without sin unto

salvation." Hebrews 9:28.

STUDY HELPS:

"The Great Controversy," pages 299-316; "Christ's Object Lessons,"

pages 405-421; "S. D.A. Bible Commentary."

STUDY AIM:

To alert our hearts to the reality of Christ's imminent return.

Lesson Outline:

Introduction

I. Last-day Skepticism

A pointed question. Luke 18:8.

General unbelief. 2 Peter 3:3, 4.

Dangers confronting the church.

Luke 12:45; Heb. 2:3.

As in the days of Noah and Lot.

Luke 17:26-30.

II. The Promise of Christ's Return

The promise made by Jesus.

John 14:1-3; Luke 21:27;

Rev. 22:12.

The promise confirmed by angels.

Acts 1:10, 11.

The promise reiterated by the

apostles. Heb. 9:28; Titus 2:11-13.

The manner revealed. Mark 13:36;

Acts 1:9-11; Rev. 1:7.

III. Faith in the Promise of Christ's

Return

Self preparation. 1 John 3:3;

2 Peter 3:11, 14.

10.

Hasten the finishing of God's work.

Matt. 24:14; John 9:4.

11.

Revive the spirit of urgency:

Rom. 13:11, 12 ; Eph. 5:14-16.

12.

An inspiration to unity. James

5:8, 9; John 13:35.

13.

The joyous response; a crown

victory. Isa. 25:9; 2 Tim. 4:8.

THE LESSON

only half believe the Word of God. A man

will act out all the faith he has. Notwith-

standing that the signs of the times are ful-

filling all over the world, faith in the Lord's

coming has been growing

feeble."—Selected

Messages,

Bk. 1, p. 93.

"The Lord is coming. Let everyone show

his faith by his works. Faith in Christ's

near advent is dying out of the churches,

and selfishness is causing them to rob God

to serve their own personal interests. When

Christ is abiding in us, we shall be self-

denying like

Him."—Testimonies,

Vol. 5,

p. 153.

In this lesson we are not so much con-

cerned about the theology of the second

advent as we are about the necessity of

cultivating a living faith that will grasp

the reality of God's promises concerning it.

[ 43 ]

Introduction

- No promises in the Bible are more ex-

plicit than those which relate to the second

coming of Christ. This is a cardinal teach-

ing of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

In fact, it is one of the great truths that

brought this movement into existence. As a

people we have proclaimed throughout the

whole world the prophetic truth, the man-

ner, and the signs of the Master's return.

The statements of Scripture on this vital

truth are clear and positive. But knowledge

alone does not constitute a preparation for

this solemn and final event. "Many will be

lost while hoping and desiring to be Chris-

tians."—Steps

to Christ,

page 48.

"We must have genuine faith. As yet we

scarcely grasp the reality of the truth. We

Last-day Skepticism

What pointed question did Christ

raise concerning faith in our day?

Luke 18:8.

NOTE.—"This is a time when the question

with all propriety may be asked, 'When the

Son of man cometh, shall He find faith on

the earth?' (Luke 18:8).

"Spiritual darkness has covered the earth

and gross darkness the people. There are

in many churches skepticism and infidelity

in the interpretation of the Scriptures.

Many, very many, are questioning the ver-

ity and truth of the Scriptures. Human

reasoning and the imaginings of the human

heart are undermining the inspiration of the

Word of God, and that which should be

received as granted, is surrounded with a

cloud of mysticism. Nothing stands out in

clear and distinct lines, upon rock bottom.

This is one of the marked signs of the last

days."—Selected Messages,

Bk. 1, p. 15.

What attitude on the part of

many is foretold as characteristic of

the last days? What specific promise

would be ridiculed? 2 Peter 3:3, 4.

NOTE.—"When these things [the signs of

the end] are dwelt upon as they should be,

scoffers will be developed who walk after

their own lusts, saying, 'Where is the prom-

ise of His coming? for since the fathers fell

asleep, all things continue as they were

from the beginning of the creation.' But

`when they shall say, Peace and safety;

then sudden destruction cometh upon them.'

`But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that

that day should overtake you as a thief.'

Thank God, all will not be rocked to sleep

in the cradle of carnal security. There will

be faithful ones who will discern the signs

of the times. While a large number profess-

ing present truth will deny their faith by

their works, there will be some who will

endure unto the

end."—Testimonies,

Vol.

5, p. 10.

What special danger confronts

the professing people of God today?

Luke 12:45; Heb. 2:3.

NOTE.—"The evil servant says in his

heart, 'My Lord delayeth His coming.' He

does not say that Christ will not come. He

does not scoff at the idea of His second

coming. But in his heart and by his actions

and words he declares that the Lord's com-

ing is delayed. He banishes from the minds

of others the conviction that the Lord is

coming quickly. His influence leads men to

presumptuous, careless delay. They are con-

firmed in their worldliness and stupor."—

The Desire of Ages,

page 635.

What parallels between our day

and the days of Noah and Lot indi-

cate that we are in the last days?

Luke 17:26-30.

The Promise of Christ's Return

By what specific promises did

Jesus forever settle the question of

His return? John 14:1-3; Luke 21:27;

Rev. 22:12.

NOTE.—"Long have we waited for our

Saviour's return. But nonetheless sure is the

promise. Soon we shall be in our promised

home. There Jesus will lead us beside the

living stream flowing from the throne of

God and will explain to us the dark provi-

dences through which on this earth He

brought us in order to perfect our char-

acters. There we shall behold with un-

dimmed vision the beauties of Eden re-

stored. Casting at the feet of the Redeemer

the crowns that He has placed on our-

heads and touching our golden harps, we

shall fill all heaven with praise to Him

that sitteth on the throne."—The

Adventist

Home,

pages 544, 545.

How specifically did the angels,

at the time of Christ's ascension, con-

firm the Master's promise to return?

Acts 1:10, 11.

Cite the testimony of the apos-

tles with regard to their faith in the

second coming of Christ. Heb. 9:28;

[44

]

Titus 2:11-13. Compare 2 Peter 3:9-

13; 1 John 3:2.

What will be the manner of

Christ's return? Mark 13:36; Acts

9-11; Rev. 1:7. Compare Matt. 24:27.

Faith in the Promise of

Christ's Return

What effect will genuine faith

in the promise of Christ's return have

upon the life of the believer? 1 John

3:3; 2 Peter 3:11, 14.

Nom—He who truly believes in the

soon return of Christ will make every

preparation to meet Him. "When He shall

appear, we shall be like Him; for we shall

see Him as He is." "Now is the time to

prepare. The seal of God will never be

placed upon the forehead of an impure

man or

woman."—Testimonies,

Vol. 5, p.

216.

"The religion of Christ means more than

the forgiveness of sin; it means taking

away our sins, and filling the vacuum with

the graces of the Holy Spirit. It means di-

vine illumination, rejoicing in God. It

means a heart emptied of self, and blessed

with the abiding presence of Christ. When

Christ reigns in the soul, there is purity,

freedom from sin. The glory, the fullness,

the completeness of the gospel plan is

fulfilled in the life. The acceptance of the

Saviour brings a glow of perfect peace,

perfect love, perfect assurance. The beauty

and fragrance of the character of Christ

revealed in the life testifies that God has

indeed sent His Son into the world to be

its

Saviour."—Christ's Object Lessons,

pages

419, 420.

"Take the world, but give me Jesus"

should be the prayer of all who look for

Christ's return.

10.

If we really believe that Christ

is soon to return, what will we pur-

pose to do? Matt. 24:14; John 9:4.

NOTE.—"My heart is often burdened be-

cause so many who might work are doing

nothing. . . . Every church member who

has a knowledge of the truth is expected

to work while the day lasts; for the night

cometh, wherein no man can work. Ere-

long we shall understand what that night

means."—Testimonies,

Vol. 9, p. 26.

•

11.

What urgent plea does the

apostle Paul make to those who know

the present truth? Rom. 13:11, 12;

Eph. 5:14-16.

NOTE.—"We must be more decidedly in

earnest. We must talk the truth in private

and in public, presenting every argument,

urging every motive of infinite weight, to

draw men to the Saviour uplifted on the

cruel cross. God desires every man to at-

tain unto eternal life. Mark how all through

the Word of God there is manifest the

spirit of urgency, of imploring men and

women to come to Christ, to deny appetites

and passions that corrupt the soul. With

all our powers we must urge them, to look

unto Jesus and to accept His life of self-

denial and

sacrifice."—Testimonies,

Vol. 6,

p. 65.

12.

What spirit should prevail

among the believers who are antici-

pating the coming of the Lord? Of

what is unity among the brethren an

evidence? James 5:8, 9; John 13:35.

NOTE.—"The unity of the church is the

convincing evidence that God has sent Je-

sus into the world as its Redeemer. This

is an argument which worldlings cannot

controvert. Therefore Satan is constantly

working to prevent this union and harmony,

that unbelievers, by witnessing backsliding,

dissension, and strife among professed

Christians, may become disgusted with re-

ligion and be confirmed in their impeni-

tence."—Testimonies, Vol.

p. 620.

13.

What will be the joyous re-

sponse of those who are ready and

waiting for the return of their Lord?

What token of triumph will they re-

ceive? Isa. 25:9; 2 Tim. 4:8.

[45]

Order Through Your Church Missionary Secretary or

BOOK

and

BIBLE HOUSE

PERIODICAL

DEPARTMENT

dps

for

holy

in the study of ihe SalOath Sehool

ERROR

THIRTEENTH SABBATH OFFERING

June 29, 1968

Australasian Division

Again this quarter the overflow of the Thirteenth Sabbath Offering will

go to one specific project; namely the remodeling and enlarging of the

Sydney Sanitarium and Hospital at Wahroonga, a suburb of Sydney,

Australia.

Just before she returned from Australia to the United States at the turn

of the century, Mrs. E. G. White made a special visit to Sydney to view

the proposed site of the sanitarium which she had been urging the brethren

to build. As she viewed for the first time the eighty acres that fell away in

gentle slopes from a loo-foot eminence, set in lovely bushland, she ex-

claimed, "This is the place!"

Within two years the Sydney Sanitarium and Hospital was built with

timbers that were imported from the United States. Through the years

the "San" has proved a wonderful blessing to the community and to the

church in its missionary activities at home and in lands afar. Ninety-six

graduates from this medical institution are at present serving in overseas

mission fields. Now, however, the central and original section of the Sani-

tarium has become antiquated and substandard, and its timbers are a ter-

rible fire hazard during the hot Australian summer months. The Nurses'

Registration Board now requires that the bed capacity be increased from

i8o to 30o in order for the institution to retain its registration as a nurses'

training school. Australia needs our graduates; the world field needs them.

You can help train them by supporting the rebuilding project with a

liberal Thirteenth Sabbath Offering on June 29.

Lessons for the Third Quarter, 1968

Sabbath School members who did not receive a senior

Lesson Quarterly

for

the

third quarter of 1968 will be helped by the following outline in studying the first

lesson. The title of the series is "Studies in the Book of James." The title of the

first lesson is "Trials and Character Development." The memory verse is 1 Peter

4:12, 13. The texts to be studied are:

Ques. 1. James 1:2-4; Matt. 5:10-12;

1 Peter 4:12, 13.

Ques. 2. James 1:3 ; 1 Peter 1:7.

Ques. 3. James 1:3 (last part) ;

Rom. 5:3.

Ques. 4. Rev. 14:12.

Ques. 5. James 1:4.

Ques. 6. James 1:5; Prov. 3:5, 6.

Ques. 7. James 1:5 (first part) ;

Matt. 7:7, 8.

Ques. 8. James 1:6 (first part) ;

Mark 11:24.

Ques. 9. James 1:6 (last part), 7.

Ques. 10. James 1:8.

Ques. 11. James 1:9 ; Matt. 5:3.

Ques. 12. James 1:10, 11.

Ques. 13. James 1:12; Rev. 2:10;

Matt. 24:13.

•

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